WHEREAS, the undersigned has been informed that Colleton County Sheriff Travis Lee Avant has resigned effective December 26, 1999; and

WHEREAS, the undersigned is authorized to appoint a County Sheriff in the event of a vacancy pursuant to Code of Laws of South Carolina (1976), as amended, Sections 1-3-220(2) (Supp. 1998) and 23-11-40(A); and

WHEREAS, George A. Malone, who is currently the Chief Deputy Sheriff of Colleton County, South Carolina, is a fit and proper person to serve as the Sheriff of Colleton County.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Statutes of this State, I hereby appoint George A. Malone as Sheriff of Colleton County until the next general election for county sheriffs and until his successor shall be elected and qualify.