DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Dorchester County Sheriff-elect Sam Richardson is talking about some of his priorities and goals as he prepares to take the helm early next year. “My immediate plan, of course, is to do what I was talking about in terms of the construct of the office,” said Richardson. “We’re working through some of those issues right now, evaluating the organizational chart, making sure that we put more people on the road patrolling to protect those streets and businesses.” Richardson said he is working with county council members to hire more deputies to expand the number of law enforcement personnel on the streets. “I think that I have had a chance to talk to our council and that we need to make sure - or ensure - that our manning matches what we’re serving in terms of response. So, if we’ve got all these additional communities, we need to make sure that we have the appropriate amount of deputies on the street to make sure people are adequately protected and served,” Richardson said. He says his discussion with the council includes adding more equipment. “They want to know ‘Hey sheriff what do you need’ in terms of vehicles? What do you need in terms of other equipment, protective equipment, and things like that. What can we do to support you? And that’s the response I’ve been receiving from council.” Richardson said he also appreciates the support he has received from county residents since he won the election. “They see me as something new and a transcendent sheriff. Someone that can move us into the future,” he said. Richardson will be sworn in as the new sheriff in the first week of January.