Georgetown County law enforcement veteran named jail director in Horry County

A veteran of the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office will take the helm at J. Reuben Long Detention Center next week.

Capt. Wayne Owens will join the Horry County Sheriff’s Office as jail director Monday, replacing long-time director Tom Fox, who was promoted to chief deputy in January.

“Wayne is highly skilled law enforcement administrator that will be a great addition to our leadership team and we are looking forward to him guiding the men and women who operate the detention center,” Sheriff Phillip Thompson said in announcing the new director Tuesday.

Owens has served in law enforcement for about 22 years and began his career in 1994 at the GCSO as a deputy sheriff, and he serves as captain of operations with GCSO, according to the release.

Owens graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice and is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. He also is a graduate of the Criminal Justice Academy and has attended numerous other law enforcement training classes and programs.

Fox was serving as both director and chief deputy until Owens was named. Paul Butler held the chief deputy position and retired in October, and Fox took on the role at the start of the new year.

Fox has been an Horry County Sheriff’s Office employee since 1999.

This story was originally published April 12, 2016 at 11:27 AM with the headline "Georgetown County law enforcement veteran named jail director in Horry County."