Sheriff Ricky Chastain, Ret.

01/01/2026

12/26/2025

The day after Christmas is often the quietest.

The celebrations slow down, the house settles, and there’s time to reflect on what really mattered — time together, memories made, and the blessings we sometimes overlook.

Christmas may be behind us on the calendar, but the hope, peace, and love we celebrate through the birth of Jesus are meant to carry forward into every day that follows. May we live that out in how we treat one another and serve our community.

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas, Laurens County and beyond!

Today is about family, kindness, and community. Whether you’re celebrating at home, working a shift, or remembering loved ones, know that you are part of a strong and caring county.

Thank you to all first responders, healthcare workers, and others serving today. May your Christmas be safe and blessed.

Above all, today we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ — the true reason for Christmas. May His love, peace, and hope be felt in every home and heart today.

12/24/2025

As Christmas Eve arrives, many families across Laurens County are traveling, gathering, and celebrating.

Please slow down, drive safely, and look out for one another. Law enforcement officers and first responders will be working this holiday so others can be home with their families.

Wishing everyone a safe and peaceful Christmas Eve.

12/23/2025

On This Day — 2013 December 23

A special visit from Santa Claus at the Laurens VFW made for a memorable day. Moments like these captured the heart of the Christmas spirit and the sense of community that made the season meaningful.

12/22/2025

On This Day — 2009 December 22

The final push for last-minute requests. At the old jail, we worked through the last of the toys, getting everything ready for delivery. Members of CHAMPS stepped in to help, lending their time and hearts to make sure these last families were taken care of.

These moments mattered — when time was short, needs were real, and the community came together to make sure Christmas reached everyone who needed it.

12/22/2025

A heartfelt collection of Christmas greetings from the men and women who’ve served our community — from law enforcement and public safety to local leaders, volunteers, and friends. Each message reminds us that the true spirit of the season lives in faith, family, and community.

Wishing everyone a safe, peaceful, and joy-filled Christmas!

12/22/2025

🚨 Scam Alert – Bank Fraud Scams

We’re seeing an increase in scam calls and texts claiming to be from a bank’s “fraud department.”

They’ll say there’s suspicious activity on your account and pressure you to act immediately. The goal is to trick you into giving them a one-time passcode or personal information. Once that happens, scammers can take over your account and drain it.

Here’s what to remember:
• Your bank will never ask for your one-time passcode
• Urgency and pressure are red flags
• If you’re unsure, hang up and call the number on the back of your card

Slow down. Verify directly.
Please share this—especially with family members or friends who may be more vulnerable to these scams.

12/22/2025

On This Day — 2009 December 21

As Christmas drew closer, Deputy Tim Alexander and friends arrived at the Sheriff’s Office with a truckload of toys ready to be unloaded and prepared for delivery. This late-night run to Walmart was a concerted effort by staff and volunteers to make sure those last minute requests for assistance were filled and no child was overlooked.

Christmas for Kids was always about stepping up for those last-minute situations — families who needed help right up against the deadline — and making sure Christmas still happened for them.

12/21/2025

On this Day 2012 December 20

A visit from friends of the Sheriff’s Office made for a special day. Young people, families, and community supporters stopping by were always a reminder that serving Laurens County was about caring for the community as a whole.