“I believe I am the best candidate to be the next Sheriff of Pickens County. Having served the citizens of Pickens County at the Sheriff’s Office in a variety of positions for almost 20 years under both David Stone and Rick Clark, I believe I have an unparalleled level of experience and knowledge to bring to the position. My emphasis on a culture of leadership through service, top tier training (physical, intellectual, and emotional) and putting the safety of the citizens of Pickens County first will remain throughout my years of service.”
Meet My Family
Tommy has been married to Sandee Smith Blankenship since December 2005. Sandee serves as Director of School Based Programs for the Youth Learning Institute of Clemson University, as well as Principal of Youth Leadership Academy. Sandee is an active member of the Pickens County Community, leading her school in an emphasis on Leadership through Giving. Under her leadership, the school has raised over $150,000.00 to give back to the community. Sandee is also dedicated to her church, where she serves as a member of the Praise Team and Choir, while helping Tommy lead the youth. They have three children: Charlee, a dual sport athlete and honor student at Pickens High School; Sami, an animal lover and outdoor enthusiast, a sixth grader at Youth Leadership Academy; and Joey, a third grader at Ambler Elementary, who loves people, music, and sharing Jesus with others..
Meet Tommy
Tommy was born in Princeton, WV, but spent his first ten years in Welcome, NC, before moving back to Princeton. The oldest of five children, he learned responsibility at an early age, helping his family with triplet siblings. An honor student and an athlete at Princeton High School (in baseball, track, and football), Tommy chose to attend nearby Concord University to play college football. After walking on his freshman year, he earned a scholarship because of his work ethic and never quit attitude.
Excelling in both academics and athletics, Tommy chose Science Education as his major. While at Concord, he met his future wife, Sandee Smith Blankenship, who worked as a student trainer for the football team as part of her double major in Athletic Training and Physical Education.. Tommy’s leadership skills were evident in his college career and he served as an elected Captain of the Concord University football team.
Upon his graduation, Tommy felt the call not to the science classroom, but to Law Enforcement. He secured a position with Pickens County Sheriff’s Office after interviewing with Sheriff David Stone and Assistant Sheriff Tim Morgan, and has been with Pickens County ever since. He first served as a road deputy, before moving to the Narcotics unit where he worked an array of cases as well as working as an undercover officer for several years.He has also served as a member of the SWAT Team on the entry team then as a less-lethal munitions grenadier, and is now the Deputy Commander. He was promoted to Sergeant of the Community Action Team before being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant where he currently serves in charge of training, certification, and equipment.
In the meantime, Tommy married his college sweetheart, a lifelong resident of Pickens County, in December 2005 (during the Great Ice Storm), and their house was the last one built by Sandee’s grandfather, Edgar Smith, a local contractor who built 20+ churches in the upstate over his career, along with numerous homes.
They have three beautiful daughters: Charlee, Sami, and Joey. They all worship together as a family at Holly Springs Baptist Church, where Tommy serves as the Youth Pastor, a position he has held since January 2006 as well as a Deacon. Sandee serves as Director of School Based Programs at Clemson University and Principal of Youth Leadership Academy Charter Middle School.
Tommy’s Christian faith guides his decision-making on all levels. His involvement at his church as a youth pastor, deacon, choir and Praise Team member, and security team member are taken very seriously.
Tommy’s emphasis on Leadership Through Service did not start with his decision to run for Sheriff; rather, it has been part of his routine his entire adult life. Service projects through his church and the Pickens Twelve Mile Baptist Association, local 5K events, CrossFit charity events are just a few of his favorites. Tommy has served as a volunteer coach for the Pickens County YMCA and Easley Rec, as well as coached football for Pickens Middle School and Easley High School. He maintains correspondence with many of the young people he has coached. Tommy is also a regular volunteer with Pickens County Meals on Wheels and supports their fundraising efforts.