Major Brian Hester

Director of Law Enforcement

Major Brian Hester commands the Department of Law Enforcement that includes:

  • Patrol Operations Division
    • District Patrol Section
    • Patrol Support Section
      • K9 Unit
      • Traffic Unit
      • Marine Unit
      • Aviation Unit
      • Reserves Unit
    • SWAT Team
    • Underwater Search & Recovery Team
    • Bomb Disposal Team
    • Crisis Negotiation Team
  • Criminal Investigations Division
    • General Investigations Section
      • General Assignment
      • Auto Theft Unit
      • Crime Scene Unit
      • Economic Crimes Unit
      • Evidence Unit
      • Intelligence Led Policing Unit
      • Sex Offender Unit
      • Victims Assistance
    • Special Investigations
      • Agricultural Crimes
      • Gang Unit
      • Vice & Narcotics Unit
      • Warrant Execution Unit
Photo of Major Brian Hester

Education

Brian Hester was born in Greenville, South Carolina. He graduated from Travelers Rest High School in 1989 and then from Clemson University in May 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.

He attended the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and completed his law enforcement certification in January 1995 with highest honors, winning the prestigious J.P. Strom Award, awarded to only one recruit in the entire state of South Carolina. In July 2006, Brian received his Master of Science degree in Strategic Leadership from Mountain State University.

Career

Prior to joining the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office, Captain Hester was a Greer City, South Carolina, police officer and a Greenville County Sheriff’s Deputy.

He joined the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office in December 1998 and during his tenure with the agency has served as a Patrol Deputy, Detective, Training Coordinator and Unit Supervisor.

Throughout his career, Captain Hester has maintained a position on the agency SWAT Team, increasing his leadership role to Team Leader and has been an adjunct instructor in both basic recruit academies and advanced and specialized training at IRSC.

Board Member

Captain Hester is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy (Class 265), is currently a board member of the Chapter 1 Foundation focused on raising awareness of PTSD in first responders and is also on the board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County.