By Greg Oliver
Courtesy The Journal

goliver@upstatetoday.com

PICKENS — Pickens County Sheriff Rick Clark, who in 2012 ended the 44-year run of predecessor David Stone to win election, has formally announced he will seek a second four-year term.

“It is very simple,” Clark said in explaining his decision to run again. “Over the past three years, we have been addressing the issues that the citizens of Pickens County demanded action on in the 2012 election.

“We have taken the fight to the drug dealers in multiple roundup operations by hitting both the high-level dealers and the street-level dealers, restructured an agency that is more efficient and responsive, introduced technology into the sheriff’s office, implemented a targeted metal theft and petit programs like directed neighborhood patrol zones, crime watches, community forums and church safety presentations.”

During his first term in office, Clark said he has promoted a total of 26 people while retaining the experience “needed in today’s volatile times.”

“We had a lot of talent that was overshadowed in the sheriff’s office before I came in,” he said. “We have also been blessed with a low turnover rate in our department. The word ‘we’ is used often, because we do have great people at the sheriff’s office, and the future is bright for us.”

Born and raised in Pickens County, Clark, the son of Ray and Ann Clark, is a 20-year law enforcement veteran — having started his career at the sheriff’s office. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University, as well as a master’s in public administration from both Clemson and the University of South Carolina.

Clark, who is married to Tani Clark, formerly worked with the Clemson University Police Department and served as director of public safety at Tri-County Technical College at the time of his election as sheriff. In addition, he also served three terms as a city councilman in Liberty and is a volunteer fireman for the Liberty Fire Department.

Looking back on nearly four years as sheriff, Clark said he is “incredibly proud of what we have achieved in such a short period of time.” However, the sheriff added “There is still much more to be done.”

“We can’t afford to go back to the old ways in our fight against the criminals who try to prey on us,” Clark said. “So, with that in mind, I’m asking the people of this community for their continued support and their prayers as we work together to ensure that the Pickens County of tomorrow is safe and filled with opportunities for our children and grandchildren.”