The law officers who represent a city or county eventually become the face of that community. For better or worse, that group of individuals will determine the attitude of the folks who live there and the impression of visitors who visit.

People who live in Richland County, especially those who do business with the county at the facility at Harden and Hampton, must have a really good impression. Sergeant Jasper Joseph, who runs the security force at the county offices, is not only a well respected law officer keeping everyone safe; he is one of those people who makes you feel good just to be around.

Sarge began working in the county facility in 2001 after spending the previous four years as a deputy. His infectious smile and pleasant manner puts county employees and visitors at ease. Whether he is offering assistance or keeping a situation from escalating, the sergeant is under control, and his actions put Richland County in the best possible light.

Joseph was born in Darlington and lived there until high school graduation in 1970. While contemplating joining the Marines, he was drafted into the Army and served his time as the Viet Nam War was winding down.

For some reason, Joseph decided New Haven Connecticut was the place to live when he left the Army. After several cold months there, Joseph decided to return to South Carolina where he began working in the textile mills of his hometown.

Feeding supplies to an assembly line made Joseph question his future, and decided to re–enlist. This time he remained in the Army for 22 years. In 1997 he retired from the military and came to Columbia to work for the Sheriff‘s office.

Since then Sergeant Joseph has become the most recognizable face in the Hampton Street building, made many impressions, and many more friends. Most of the folks who work for the county have a Sarge story.

Stephany Snowden, director of Public Information for Richland County, remembers a time when she was moonlighting as a Hip Hop DJ for a local radio station. She was using a stage name and wondered who would be the first to discover her identity.

The grandfatherly deputy with the quiet demeanor, a person who seemed the least likely to even recognize Hip Hop, was the one who busted Snowden.

When asked for his favorite memory, Joseph mentions a particular young man who came by the facility several times. He used LRADAC and the health center and seemed to be on the wrong track in life.

A few months later he dropped by the office to tell Sergeant Joseph and his crew, “Thanks.” He felt they had been instrumental in helping him correct the mistakes he was making and get his life on track.

Sergeant Joseph has no immediate plans to retire but is starting to think about it. He has three grown children and seven grandchildren. He also loves to fish. For the time being he will continue to protect those who do business with Richland County, keep the council meetings from getting out of hand, and work with the Kids ID program. Joseph is also a member of the Richland County Sheriff’s Honor Guard.