[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 82 (Thursday, May 15, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E439]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING SHERIFF LEE FOSTER FOR HIS STEADFAST LEADERSHIP TO NEWBERRY 
                 COUNTY AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SHERI BIGGS

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 2025

  Mrs. BIGGS of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Sheriff Lee Foster of Newberry County, South Carolina, for his 
remarkable service and historic leadership in law enforcement.
  Sheriff Foster holds the distinction of being the longest-serving, 
currently active sheriff in the State of South Carolina--a title he has 
earned through decades of unwavering dedication to his community and to 
public safety.
  First elected in 1988 and beginning his first term in January 1989, 
Sheriff Foster has faithfully served the people of Newberry County for 
more than 35 years. Throughout that time, he has been a constant and 
steady presence--trusted by his community, respected by his peers, and 
recognized at every level of government for his service.
  His law enforcement career began in 1973 as a junior officer in the 
Town of Prosperity. From there, he served as Chief of Police in Little 
Mountain, rose through the ranks of the Newberry County Sheriff's 
Office, and served as a Senior Criminology Instructor at the South 
Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. His is a career built on experience, 
earned trust, and deep knowledge of the communities he has served.
  Over the years, Sheriff Foster has received numerous accolades, 
including the Order of the Palmetto--the highest civilian honor in 
South Carolina--the Strom Thurmond Award for Excellence in Law 
Enforcement, Sheriff of the Year by both the South Carolina Sheriffs' 
Association and the South Carolina Victims' Advocates Association, and 
Humanitarian of the Year by the National Center for Rural Law 
Enforcement.
  He has served on a wide range of advisory boards and task forces at 
the state and federal levels, lending his expertise to efforts focused 
on violent crime, homeland security, victim notification, and training 
standards. But perhaps what sets Sheriff Foster apart most is his 
leadership style. He is hands-on, approachable, and deeply involved in 
every part of the Sheriff's Office--from administrative strategy to 
accident scenes. His example reminds us that real leadership is about 
showing up and serving others.
  Sheriff Foster and his wife, Carol, live in Newberry, where they 
raised their two children, Joseph and Amelia. They are beloved members 
of their community and have given so much of themselves in service to 
others.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Sheriff Lee Foster today--
not only for his longevity in office but for the way he has served: 
with humility, courage, and a genuine love for the people of Newberry 
County. South Carolina is a safer, stronger place because of his 
service.

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