DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Dorchester County’s new sheriff has been sworn into office. Sam Richardson, who previously served as chief deputy at the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, took his oath of office during a noon ceremony at the county’s courthouse in St. George. He is the first Black Republican sheriff in South Carolina history. Richardson, a Republican, cruised to victory over Democrat Charles Frederick in the Nov. 5 election, garnering just over 63% of the vote. “I got a chance today to live a dream, to have it fulfilled, and it’s an opportunity to serve the people of Dorchester County. You know, I started to hear as a deputy and now I’m the sheriff of Dorchester County. I’m humbled by that, and I’m honored by that,” said Sheriff Richardson. For Richardson, Dorchester County is home. “I’m born and raised in Dorchester County. Played football for Coach McKissick, so I’ve been a Dorchester County young man, you know, growing up. So I remember seeing Carl Knight’s deputy, Sheriff Knight‘s dad, and they were sharp. But what I enjoyed most is some of them took the time to engage with me.” Sheriff Richardson said he wants to implement some programs within the first 100 days like a citizen advisory council, and cadet program, and enhance its citizens academy. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson was on hand to introduce Richardson during Tuesday’s ceremony. “When you look at his pedigree, when you look at his history, 30 years in the military, he’s had 30 years in law enforcement. He served at every level in law enforcement and also served in the solicitor’s office, which is the prosecution agency. This is a guy who understands from the ground up how to protect the public,” said AG Wilson. “Looking forward to serving our citizens and making our citizens proud,” said Richardson. Richardson replaces outgoing Sheriff L.C. Knight who opted not to run for reelection after serving as sheriff for 16 years.