Columbia, SC — The South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association recently announced that Sheriff S. Duane Lewis of Berkeley County has been selected as the Association’s 2025 Sheriff of the Year.

To be eligible for the award, a sheriff must be nominated by a fellow sheriff. Marion County Sheriff Brian Wallace proudly nominated Sheriff Lewis, whom he described as, “A deeply committed, visionary law enforcement leader whose integrity and dedication to public service are evident in every facet of his work. [Duane] is a visible, trusted presence throughout Berkeley County.”

Sheriff Lewis is a servant-leader with over four decades of distinguished law enforcement service. Beginning his career in 1984 as a Deputy with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), he has served in various capacities across multiple agencies, including the City of Charleston Police Department, the INS Investigations Bureau, the Goose Creek Police Department, and Santee Cooper’s Law Enforcement Division. His experience spans investigative work, internal affairs, training, and leadership.

Since his election in 2015, Sheriff Lewis has brought strategic innovation, accountability, and strong community engagement to the BCSO. He has enhanced training, expanded investigative capabilities, and embraced emerging technologies to improve public safety. A graduate of the FBI Command College and FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, he maintains active involvement in numerous professional and civic organizations including but not limited to the Berkeley County Museum Board of Directors, Moncks Corner Lions Club, and the Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce.

Moseley, a full-service design firm specializing in sustainable architecture, engineering, and planning for community-focused spaces, sponsored the Association’s 2025 Sheriff of the Year. Todd Davis, Vice President for Moseley, said, “Sheriff Lewis makes us incredibly proud. He has shown tireless dedication to protecting Berkley County’s citizens and provided excellent leadership for the Sheriff’s Department. Moseley clearly understands the challenges that law enforcement professionals like Sheriff Lewis face each day. Moseley is proud to sponsor this award and issue our heartfelt congratulations to Sheriff Lewis on a job well done!”

Under Sheriff Lewis’s leadership, the BCSO has launched several innovative programs, including a first-in-the-state fully funded mental health partnership with the county detention center. Last year, Sheriff Lewis added South Carolina’s first dedicated Animal Cruelty Investigator to strengthen animal welfare enforcement.

For these reasons and more, he is the Association’s 2025 Sheriff of the Year. Sheriff Lewis was presented the award at the Association’s Annual Conference in Myrtle Beach.