Community Thanks Sheriff Stone For Service

Members of the community gathered today to wish Sheriff C. David Stone well as he begins a new chapter in his life, and to thank him for serving Pickens County as Sheriff for 44 years.

A drop-in for Sheriff Stone was held at the Pickens County Museum Sunday afternoon, and a huge crowd gathered to thank Stone in person for the service he's given to Pickens County over his four-decade career as sheriff.

The room was decorated with awards and clippings that represented a few of the highlights of Stone's career as Sheriff.

Museum Director Allen Coleman, as he welcomed people to the drop-in, recalled that his own father had assisted with Stone's very first campaign for Sheriff in 1968.

Stone drew inspiration from his own father, Wes Stone, who served as Police Chief in Pickens for 28 years.

Sen. Larry Martin recalled going to see Sheriff Stone at the old jail, to ask about joining the Sheriff's Office cadet program.

Martin presided over a special presentation, given to Sheriff Stone on behalf of all the employees of the Pickens County Sheriff's Office, held during the drop-in.

"You know, a lot has changed over the years, but there's been one constant," Martin said. "And that's Sheriff David Stone." 

Martin called Stone "just a fine individual, in all respects."

"Of course, Donna helped keep him that way," Martin said, referring to Stone's wife.

"I'll vouch for that," Stone said.

"We do appreciate your many years of service, and on behalf of all the folks associated with the Sheriff's Department, it's my pleasure to present you with this plaque," Martin said.

The plaque reads, "To Sheriff C. David Stone, in sincere appreciation of 44 years of dedicated and loyal service to the Pickens County Sheriff's Office and the citizens of Pickens County, January 1, 1969 - December 31, 2012."

Martin and Rep. Davey Hiott presented Stone with another token of esteeem from Sheriff's Office employees - a .45 caliber pistol in a beautiful display case.

"I don't know if I ever saw the Sheriff carry a gun - but he's got one now," Martin said. "This is from all your colleagues at the Sheriff's Department."

"When I became Sheriff in 1969, I'd never shot a pistol  - and I guess that was a good thing," Stone said, drawing laughs from the crowd. "I did get some training."

Stone said he couldn't have asked for better personnel than those he's worked with over 44 years at the Pickens County Sheriff's Office.

"I'm happy I've been able to serve my years in law enforcement in Pickens County," Stone said. "It wasn't David Stone that made it run well, it was these people throughout the years. All I can say is, I thank you, and that I hope everything will go forward in a good manner.

"Pickens County has got to have good law enforcement, and I know that it will continue," Stone continued. "Keep your head up, keep going and do what you're supposed to. That's all that anybody can ask for you to do. All of you that are still in law enforcement, do that, and I know that you'll find things going in the proper direction. God bless all of you."