At its regular monthly council meeting for the Town of South Congaree last Tuesday, the Mayor and Council voted unanimously to hire Steven Jonas, a 22-year veteran of the department as its next Police Chief.

Chief Jonas began his working career by enlisting in the US Marine Corp at the age of 19. Following his military service, he worked early in his career as a correctional officer with the SC Department of Corrections and moved on to become an officer for the SC Bureau of Protective Services. Following those stints, he was hired by the SC Highway Patrol as a Trooper, where he received numerous traffic enforcement certifications until he later accepted a position with the Town of Lexington Police Department.

Following his time at Lexington Police Department, on August 2, 2002 Jonas was hired as a Lieutenant/Assistant Police Chief with the Town of South Congaree, where he was tasked with supervising the day-to-day activities as a patrol supervisor, supervising all ongoing criminal investigations, and supervising and coordinating the departments training for all full-time and reserve officers. He was later promoted to Captain and then Major. He has attended hundreds of continuing education classes in criminal detection, leadership and management, supervision, and much more.

Chief Jonas has officially begun the role, and his first task is to lead recruiting efforts to build up the department to full staffing. Following Mayor and Council’s decision to appoint him as Chief of Police, Jonas kept his quote to one of Ronald Regan “Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid.”

Mayor Cindy Campbell stated “I am thrilled to announce the promotion of Steven Jonas to Chief
of Police, marking a new chapter for the Town of South Congaree. His support of Council and commitment to enhancing the well-being of our community and its residents is truly inspiring.
Great things are on the horizon for South Congaree.”

Mayor Pro Tem, Kitty Spires adds “I look forward to working with Chief Jonas, and I am excited
to see the progress, new image, and positive successes under his leadership.” Councilmember Brian Jackson adds “Hiring Steven Jonas as Police Chief meets the desire of the people and needs of the Town.”
Councilmember Dwayne Prosser states “We are excited that Major Jonas will be our new Chief
of Police. We are looking forward to working with him to make South Congaree a safe place to
live and work.”

Councilmember Debbie McIver states “As a resident of South Congaree for 30 years, I can’t begin to list all the ways Major Steven Jonas has come to my aid. So many stories I can tell of how he showed up promptly and resolved situations and made me feel safer. He knows every inch of South Congaree and knows people by name. I am deeply grateful to Major Jonas (now Chief Jonas) for his giving 22 years of unwavering service to our town. His dedication to ensuring our safety, protecting our town, and demonstrating exceptional commitment has made a lasting impression on me and why I felt as a council person he was the person for the position of Chief of Police. As our Major, he worked tirelessly and gave dedication to provide us with security and foster a sense of trust and respect. The Town of South Congaree will be a better and safer place with him at the helm. Thank you, newly promoted Chief Steven Jonas, for sticking by us and being willing to serve as our Chief.”

Chief Jonas will officially be sworn in on Wednesday, Aug. 28, at 6 p.m. in the South Congaree Council Chambers. The public is welcome to attend and congratulate Chief Jonas following the ceremony.