Kevin R. Tolson, Sheriff

Sheriff Kevin R. Tolson graduated from Northwestern High School and obtained a degree from the University of South Carolina in 1992 with a B.S. in Criminal Justice.    

Sheriff Tolson began his law enforcement career as a uniformed patrol deputy with the York County Sheriff’s Office.  He worked in narcotics, served as a member of a federally funded regional Violent Crimes Task Force and as a detective in the Crimes Against Person Unit investigating violent crimes such as serious assaults, robberies and murders.

Sheriff Tolson also served as a special agent for the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigating forgeries of state documents, public corruption, officer misconduct and homicides as well as provided law enforcement support during major events within the state, including: rallies, motorcycle events and hurricane duty.   In 2001, Sheriff Tolson returned to York County to work as a special investigator for the 16th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.  During his tenure, he formed the York County Multi-Jurisdictional Forensic Service Unit serving as Director from 2002-2009.   Sheriff Tolson continued to work as an investigator with the Solicitor’s Office providing investigative assistance to attorneys and staff in the prosecution of cases ranging from minor offenses to murder, helping to move those cases through the adjudication phase.

Sheriff Tolson has served on the Hunter Street Elementary School Improvement Council, is a board member with the York County United Way serving on various committees including Campaign Chair in 2014 and 2015 and Palmetto Leadership Chair in 2018 and 2019.  In 2018, Sheriff Tolson received United Way’s “Spirit of York County” lifetime achievement award.  He is also a graduate of the York County Regional Chamber's Leadership York County (LYCO) and has served on the planning council from 1997 to 2016 having served as council chair as well as alumni reunion chair.  Sheriff Tolson is also and ambassador for the advocacy group, "# 1 Question - is it good for the children" and is a board of director for Keystone Substance Abuse Services.  Sheriff Tolson and family gladly attend and serve at Trinity United Methodist Church.  Sheriff Tolson holds the distinct honor of the South Carolina Sheriff’s Association 2019 Sheriff of the Year.

Sheriff Tolson currently is Sheriff of York County having been elected to the position in November, 2016.  He is married to Beth Bryant Tolson and they have two beautiful daughters, Morgan and Liza.