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PICKENS COUNTY—For the first time in more than 40 years, Pickens County law enforcement will soon be under the direction of a new sheriff.

According to unofficial tallies, Rick Clark defeated petition candidates Tim Morgan and Stan Whitten in the general election Tuesday night, earning his seat as Pickens County Sheriff.

“It’s just an amazing night,” Clark said. “It’s so humbling. I am thankful for what the citizens of Pickens County did. They shared our vision, and it’s time to move forward with a great sheriff’s office.”

Clark received 23,433 votes, acquiring 54 percent of the total unofficial vote with 63 of 66 precincts reporting. Morgan earned 16,259 votes, and Whitten walked away with 3,035 votes.

Clark said he is ready to make a positive change.

“The first thing we’ll do is have a meeting where we are all buying into our mission and plan to reduce crime and move Pickens County forward,” Clark said. “After that, we will target our street and take control of our cases.

The new sheriff said he is excited to work with a talented office.

“Our deputies will be responsible for their own communities,” Clark said. “It’s just going to be amazing what we can do with the talent we have there.”

Clark will replace David Stone in the days to come, and he says he hopes to make a difference right out of the gate.

“We’ll do what’s right every time,” Clark said. “It may upset some people, but we’re going to do what is right. With the staff I’ve got at the sheriff’s office, it won’t be a problem at all.”