Here’s how ‘Live PD’ deputies are lending their voices to a good cause

Richland County deputies made popular by the TV show “Live PD” are using their star power for a good cause.

The sheriff’s department is auctioning off some unique opportunities for fans, with proceeds going to United Way of the Midlands, which addresses education, financial and health needs in Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland counties.

Fans can bid for the chance to have either Deputy Kevin Lawrence or Senior Deputy Chris Mastrianni record a personalized voicemail greeting for their phone. Then, people calling the winning bidder’s phone will hear one of the famous deputies saying whose voicemail they have reached.

Also up for auction is a workout session with an up-and-coming star from Richland County, Deputy Garo Brown.

“He has been a breakaway hit because of his physique,” said Maj. Stephany Snowden, spokeswoman for the sheriff’s department. “He’ll take it easy. It’s not going to be a beastly workout.”

The sheriff’s department also is auctioning three packages that include a “Live PD” T-shirt and poster autographed by the Richland County deputies on the show and Sheriff Leon Lott.

Opening bids start at $100 for the voicemail greetings and the workout session, and $25 for each of the T-shirt and poster packages.

Bidding was set to close just before midnight Sunday, but Snowden said they plan to extend the deadline through next weekend.

The show, which premiered in 2016 and is in its second season, has brought attention and celebrity to the sheriff’s department and its deputies. By channeling that popularity, Snowden said the agency has raised more than $20,000 in the past year for local organizations and nonprofits.

“This is just one more way we’re trying to benefit the community,” she said.

This story was originally published December 10, 2017 at 3:08 PM with the headline "Here’s how ‘Live PD’ deputies are lending their voices to a good cause."