BEHIND THE BADGE: Officer Conner Ward
Officer Conner Ward. PHOTO BY STEPHAN DREW
This is the fifth installment in a series the News & Press is happy to publish about the brave men and women who serve in the Darlington Police Department:
By Stephan Drew, Editor
Officer Conner Ward exemplifies the fresh energy and dedicated service the Darlington Police Department seeks in its newest members. The 29-year-old patrol officer, who joined the force in March 2024, has quickly established himself as a valuable asset to both the department and the community.
Ward’s journey to law enforcement represents the perfect blend of lifelong aspiration and determined pursuit. Growing up in Wellesville, New York, the son of mechanic Hugh Ward and healthcare worker Kathleen Ward, Conner developed an early appreciation for public service and commitment to community.
“I always wanted to work in law enforcement,” Ward reflects, his enthusiasm for his new role evident in his ready smile and attentive demeanor.
After graduating from Genesee Valley School in 2015, Ward gained valuable experience in road paving, trucking, and with the New York Department of Transportation before making a climate-inspired move to South Carolina in 2021.
His professional path through the Florence sand and gravel industry and later the Darlington Streets and Sanitation Department equipped him with extensive knowledge of local infrastructure and community needs – knowledge that now serves him well as he patrols Darlington’s streets.
Ward completed his training at the South Carolina Police Academy in November 2024, bringing fresh perspectives to a department known for its community engagement. His colleagues praise his adaptability and willingness to tackle any challenge.
What stands out most about Officer Ward is his genuine appreciation for teamwork. “The people I work with. They’re always helpful. If they don’t know something, they’ll find out,” he says with sincere admiration.
As Ward and his fiancée plan their upcoming wedding and future in South Carolina, the community gains a dedicated officer committed to making a positive difference in the place which he admits, “feels like home.”
