This just in, Jody Lynch, former Florence County Police Officer, is running for Sheriff in Florence, South Carolina!
I know what you are thinking, “What is so special about Jody Lynch running for sheriff in Florence County?” Well let me tell you. She is the first woman ever to run for sheriff in Florence County and when she is elected, she will be the first female sheriff to ever be elected in the state of South Carolina. For 20 years, Jody Lynch served as a Police Officer in Florence County and has worked in many departments for Florence County such as child abuse, criminal investigations, gang prevention, sex crimes and she was even a Resource Officer at South Florence High School and Sneed Middle School, to which she became the Sergeant of the program. Jody Lynch is a woman of trust, compassion, integrity, wit and most importantly, RESPECT.
Her Campus Winthrop had the honor and privilege to speak with Ms. Jody Lynch ask her a few questions about her candidacy in running for Sheriff.
Why did you decide to run for sheriff of Florence County?
Truthfully, I believe that women have waited long enough to take their stand in what they are capable in doing and running for sheriff is my plan to change that. Women have ony been able to vote for 95 years and our rights are limited. Our rights were limited back in the 1920’s, but are equal today. So I believe we, as women, need to stand up for ourselves and exercise all the rightsso many fought for use to be able to have.
What do you plan to accomplish once you become sheriff?
I want to bring a sense of trust back between the community and law enforcement. With all of the Police brutality going on, the citizens have lost respect and trust for the people who are supposed to be protecting them. I want the citizens to know that law enforcement is there for them. I don’t care what gender they are, what color they are or even what their sexual preferences are, it is the Law Enforcements job to protect everybody equally.
Once elected, what are some goals you have to improve the department?
I want to bring the C.O.P. (Community Oriented Policing) concept back into play, where the officers get to know the citizens in their community. Not only do I want the citizens to have pride in Law Enforcement Officers, but I want the law enforcement to have pride in themselves. I want to be a sheriff for the people that work for me and most importantly, a sheriff for the community.
How did you become interested in law enforcement? Was it something you dreamed of doing as a child?Â
No it wasn’t, but that whole story is in my book though, so you can go read it there! My life was designed for me to go into law enforcement, but I just didn’t know it. I’ve always wanted to help people, but I didn’t know I would help people by becoming a police officer.
[Go check out her book on Amazon.com: Lipstick and a Gun: A police officer’s memoir an autobiography written by Jody Lynch! Don’t forget to stop by her book signing at the Barnes & Noble in Florence on December 19th at 1:00 p.m.!]
A lot of people think being a sheriff is “a man’s job” and that “it’s too dangerous of an occupation for a woman”, what are your thoughts on that?
I don’t think there is any job that a woman can’t do! Any job is dangerous for anybody. I was in the Military and I don’t believe there is a more dangerous job than being in the Military and those who serve our country. Women can do anything and anybody who tells a woman that she can’t do something, will only make her work even harder to proved them wrong.
What is the one accomplishment that has brought you the greatest satisfaction or fulfillment?
Besides my children, I would have to say teaching Self Defense to young women at USC in Columbia, SC. That was very rewarding to me to teach young women how to be safe and protect themselves and feel confident! All I want is for women to feel safe and protected! Oh, I also won Woman of the Year for the National Association of Professional Women. I felt very validated winning that award because it’s one thing to kick butt and work hard everyday, but it’s another thing to be recognized for kicking butt and working hard and that is the greatest accomplishment! I don’t back down and I stand up for other people and I most definitely stand up for myself!
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Her Campus Winthrop wants to give a big thank you to Ms. Jody Lynch for sparing a few minutes of her time to speak to us! You definitely have our vote!Â