Brigadier General
Leon L. Lott
Deputy Commander for Special Operations
Brigadier General Leon Lott, South Carolina Military Department, graduated from the University of South Carolina with an Associate’s Degree in Police Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and continued with graduate study for a Masters in Criminal Justice. Later, as Sheriff of Richland County, South Carolina, Lott graduated from the FBI National Academy, FBI National Executive Institute, Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, The Riley Institute at Furman University Diversity Leadership Academy, and earned a Masters in Emergency Management from Lander University.
General Lott’s public service began at the Richland County Sheriff’s Department in 1975 as a patrol officer. He advanced thereafter to various positions, including Criminal Investigator, Narcotics Agent, Lieutenant and Captain of Narcotics Division, Administrative Captain, Uniform Patrol Captain, and Watch Commander. In 1993, he took the position of Chief of Police of St. Matthews, SC. In 1996, General Lott made a successful run for Sheriff of Richland County and still holds that position.
General Lott began his Military service as a Major with the SC Military Department’s Joint Services Detachment Provost Marshal. He has attended Officer Basic, Senior Officer and Security Specialist Courses, and advanced to the ranks of Lt. Colonel, Colonel and Brigadier General. Decorations and awards include State Revenue Initiative Ribbon, State Achievement Ribbon, State Commendation Ribbon, State Merit Ribbon, SC Home Defense Achievement Medal, Order of the Palmetto, Royal Laotian Parachute Badge, and Expert Shooting Badge; Pistol, Rifle and Sub-machine.
General Lott is married to Bridgette, an agent with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and has four daughters.