County leaders and staff serve their communities in various ways, from advocating for residents to keeping people safe and secure. Some staff take their dedication to service beyond their county roles.
This National Military Appreciation Month, we're highlighting county employees who also serve in the South Carolina State Guard (SCSG). The SCSG is an army division under the South Carolina Military Department under the command of Maj. Gen. Leon Lott, who is also Richland County sheriff.
Since 2015, the SCSG has contributed more than 44,000 hours of service throughout the state, aiding in hurricane recovery, rendering pandemic assistance and providing support with other natural disasters.
County staff throughout the state serve in the SCSG. In addition to Lott, Colleton County Administrator Thomas Higgs serves as a lieutenant colonel; Florence County Voter Registration and Election Director Julian Young, Anderson County Senior Appraiser Michael Todd and Pickens County Clerk to Council Jessica Varney serve as first lieutenants; and Pickens County Administrator Ken Roper serves as a second lieutenant.
"Serving in the S.C. State Guard has given me opportunities to serve in both extraordinary and everyday moments. From supporting the Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston County to assisting in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Spartanburg County, each mission I've been part of has deepened my commitment to public service," Varney said. "Saluting veterans during the local Wreaths Across America ceremony and serving my own county during the Table Rock Complex Fire were two of the most meaningful moments of my service. It is truly an honor to serve in this capacity."
Roper, who is approaching his first anniversary serving with the SCSG, said the Guard's assistance with containing the Table Rock Complex Fire in 2025 inspired him to get involved.
"The SCSG service during the Table Rock Complex fire was essential to Pickens County's successful coordinated response," Roper said. "The professionalism and humble service of the Guard during the fire was a huge motivation to me in joining."