McMaster to appoint Nichols’ successor
Chief Deputy Coroner Vickie CHeek
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster will be asked to replace Laurens County Coroner F.G. “Nick” Nichols, who died unexpectedly Monday afternoon.
McMaster will appoint Nichols’ successor. Nichols had just under a year remaining on his latest four-year term. He was initially elected as coroner in 2000 and served four complete terms.
Laurens County Administrator Jon Caime said he contacted the governor’s office Tuesday morning to confirm McMaster’s role in the appointment and to make sure a special election will not be required. The appointee will serve the remainder of Nichols’ term. A coroner will then be elected in the November 2020 General Election.
“The governor will probably turn it over to the local delegation and receive a recommendation from Sen. (Danny) Verdin,” Caime said.
Caime said Chief Deputy Coroner Vickie Cheek, who has worked alongside Nichols in the coroner’s office for the past 19 years and took over many of his responsibilities as he experienced medical issues over the past few years, has expressed interest in filling the position.
Vickie Cheek has shown this county that she can run this job. Nick would want her to be appointed. She has worked hard and has proven herself to this county.
Vickie Cheek deserves this job. Her dedication to her job, her caring for victim’s families counts for everything.
Nick certainly would have past the baton of responsibility to Vickie. NO ONE more qualified!
To all of you……It would be an honor to be selected to finish out Nick’s term. That was his wish if something happened to him or he resigned. I pray that this will happen. Thank you all for your kind words. We will surely miss that Southern Gentleman.
Thank you all for your kind words. I would be honored to be selected to serve the citizens of Laurens County.
Nick was one of a kind but I also believe Vickie Cheek would be the only one to carry on this important job. I know she knows what to do.
Ms Cheek is the only person that is currently qualified for this appointment. She has 19 years experience and has completed numerous training courses to maintain and enhance the procedural skills that is required to be a thorough and competent coroner. She has shown great dedication to her job and more so over the past year as she has had to fill in during Mr Nichol’s absence during his illness with no increase in salary or extra help. Vickie Cheek should be allowed to complete this term until the next election.