Lexington, SC (Paul Kirby) – A member of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department’s command staff passed away Thursday morning. Lt. William “Billy” Aiken died at a local hospital after suffering a medical emergency at his home in Irmo. Aiken was 57 years old.
Aiken joined the Sheriff’s Department in 2001. He most recently served as the lieutenant over special operations. Aiken was a graduate of the FBI’s National Academy and led the Sheriff’s Department’s emergency management and preparedness programs.
Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said Thursday, “We are deeply saddened by Billy’s sudden passing. He was a valuable member of the LCSD family and worked hard to prepare the department for a wide array of hazards and emergencies. He was passionate about planning and training and our county is better off for it.”
Aiken was Lexington County’s first certified emergency planner. He was also the first law enforcement officer in the state of South Carolina to be certified by the National Sheriff’s Association as a Homeland Protection Professional.
Prior to coming to work for Lexington County, Aiken worked for the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and several agencies in Florida. He had been involved in law enforcement since 1981.
