24-05-2025
‘Deeply honored': New sheriff for Spartanburg Co. speaks out
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) — After Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright sent in a resignation letter to Governor Henry McMaster on Friday, a new interim sheriff was appointed.
McMaster announced that that Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Jeffery Stephens has been appointed to serve as Spartanburg County to the sheriff's office, Stephens started his career with the SCSO in 1980.
Stephens, a Boiling Springs resident, has been chief deputy in Cherokee County since 2011 and spent 25 years with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, according to the governor's office.
The Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office said they welcome Sheriff Stephens back to the county and expressed confidence in his ability 'to lead with integrity and professionalism during this transitional period.'
Stephens will serve as sheriff until a special election is held later this year to fill the position.
A letter from Stephens regarding his appointment can be read below.
I am deeply honored to accept the appointment by Governor Henry McMaster to serve as Sheriff of Spartanburg County. I am grateful for the trust placed in me and fully recognize the responsibility that comes with this critical role.
As someone born and raised in Spartanburg County, this community has always been home. My career in law enforcement began here more than four decades ago. Today, I return to the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office with a profound sense of duty and humility. It is both a privilege and a calling to serve the citizens of Spartanburg once again as their Sheriff.
Throughout my 43 years of service, including my time as Chief Deputy at the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, management within the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, patrol officer at the Spartanburg Police Department, and deputy with the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, I have committed myself to public safety, professional integrity, and the fair enforcement of the law. I bring that same commitment to this office. My promise to the people of Spartanburg County is simple: I will serve you dutifully and diligently while upholding the law with transparency, respect, and accountability.
In the days ahead, I look forward to working alongside our deputies, staff, and community leaders to build upon the strengths of this office and ensure a safe and secure future for all who call Spartanburg County home.
Sincerely,Sheriff Jeffery F. StephensSpartanburg County Sheriff's Office
Though an exact timeline of the special election for sheriff is unclear, former corporal with the Spartanburg County Sheriff's office Nick Duncan, announced he is running for sheriff on Friday.
Duncan previously announced a run for sheriff in March 2024, but lost the primary election in June.
In an interview with 7NEWS, Duncan said he was not expecting Wright's resignation.
'That came as a complete shock,' he said.
Duncan encouraged voters to decide what they want from their elected leaders.
'Just look at everybody, figure out what you want from your elected officials, and what beliefs most align with yours and make a good, educated decision.' Duncan continued.
You can watch Duncan's official campaign announcement in the video player below:
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