The Chapin Police Department announced that Blake Gainous was sworn in August 31, as the department’s newest patrol officer.

“We are pleased to have Blake join our department,” said Chief of Police Seth Zeigler. “He brings a wealth of experience and professionalism to our agency. I believe our citizens and businesses will enjoy working with him.”

A Sumter native, Gainous comes to Chapin from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department where he served as a Master Deputy (Shift Supervisor), Road Patrol Deputy and Field Training Officer. He also held positions as a state trooper for the South Carolina Highway Patrol and a 911 dispatcher for the Sumter Police Department.