The Advertiser has learned that Elijah Harris, longtime Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office employee, died Monday night after a recent illness.

Sgt. Harris had been with the ECSO since 1989 where he started as a road deputy.  Promoted to sergeant in 2003, Sgt. Harris later transferred to the detention center where he was third in in command.  In 2008, Sgt. Harris was presented the Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award.

The Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday of Sgt. Harris’ death that they were saddened by his loss and remarked that “Sgt. Harris was a Class 2 Deputy but a first class husband, father, coworker, and friend.”