Sheriff Guerry L. "Buddy" Hill Jr proudly took his oath of office to serve all citizens of Colleton County on January 5, 2021.
Sheriff Hill is committed to bringing continued positive change to the Sheriff's Office by enhancing staff skills, training and accountability, and strengthening collaboration with municipal public safety leaders and community groups and organizations. He is an advocate of criminal justice reform and encourages community engagement and outreach within his office.
As Sheriff, he will continue implementing and improving policies and procedures to enhance the efficiency of the more than 140 staff members and finalize accrediting the agency through SCLEA (South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation). The SCLEA Accreditation Program is a voluntary initiative for professional improvement, fashioned in ways that best meet local needs while simultaneously expressing commitment to professional law enforcement practices. Since 1999 SCLEA is recognized as a means of maintaining the highest standards of law enforcement accreditation
Upon selection as Chief Deputy under the previous Sheriff, Hill assumed supervision of the entire Sheriff's Office in January 2013. In addition to his most recent position, his experience includes working as a patrol officer, a sergeant, a lieutenant, an investigator, in personal crimes and narcotics. He managed the bloodhounds, was a SWAT commander, worked with task forces such as the DEA, ATF, and the FBI, and worked as a Police Officer with the Walterboro Police Department. Throughout his career, he earned Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Law Enforcement Certificates.
Hill is a native of Colleton County and graduated from Walterboro High School in 1979. When he was 25, he took his oath to serve and protect and graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. He is a 29-year veteran of law enforcement.
Aside from being a dedicated lawman, Sheriff Hill's greatest accomplishment is his family. He and his wife, Becky have been happily married for 36 years, and are the proud parents of two (2) daughters. One of whom is in law enforcement, and the other in real estate. Combined, they have six grandchildren, four (4) girls, and two (2) boys.
During his pastime, he enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, and anything outdoors. He and his wife are avid members of the First Baptist Church of Walterboro, and he is a member of the South Carolina Sheriff's Association and the National Rifle Association.