George Kelley

Security Officer

I started my career at the Darlington County Sheriff’s office in 2014, shortly after moving to Darlington County in 2013.

I started in the County Jail, and worked up to the rank of Sgt in six months’ time. I was a shift supervisor of a staff of 7 and had over 200 inmates that I was responsible for. During this time I was also on the Bloodhound tracking team that tracked for missing people, as well as criminals.

I left briefly for a different job, and returned in 2018 to Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, and made the move to Patrol. During this time I would answer calls for service, run traffic, and assist people in need. Some cases were turned back over or requested back to where I would investigate and make charges as needed. During this time myself and another Deputy restarted the Bloodhound Unit, and trained the two that are presently being used.

In 2022, I left for Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office and worked patrol, then Moved into a roll as an SRO. As an SRO, my rolls are for criminal activity at the school as well for the protection of the students and staff. During this time I would build the trust and respect of the students, and hopefully steer them on the right path. During this time as an SRO, I was tasked with reunifying students with Parents at a location separate location after a school bus accident.

In September of 2022, I was contacted by Hartsville Police Department and was asked about a position at a school here. I accepted the position, being closer to home and was assigned to North Hartsville Elementary.

Since coming to Hartsville I moved up in rank to a Sgt Position over seeing six other SRO’s and six Crossing Guards before stepping down. My position is to serve as security for the 485 + students and 74 Staff members. I work the morning and Afternoon Carline greeting students and parents. I am very active with the students, and building trust with them as well as the parents. Starting in November of 2022, I started doing security for First Presbyterian Church on Sundays as well. I have also proposed to the Department for the use of a Therapy K9 for the Department and to be used in the schools as well, for the mental health of not only the students but the staff (Still in the works)

I have taken numerous courses such as Active Shooter, Hostage Negotiator, and numerous course for Mental Health and Narcotics.

During my years here I have also helped 3 people beat their addictions, helping them not only get their children back, but also secure a job and a future; and 1 who recently just achieved her degree

My belief is that you may not be able to change the streets, but you can change a child.