Replaces Atkins, who resigned July 8
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has hired a new chief deputy to take over the role of second in command.
Kenny Kempster began his chief deputy role on Monday, July 25.

Beginning his law enforcement career in Saluda in 1992 and working for other Polk departments previously, Kempster said he feels like he’s coming home.
“Polk County gave me my first shot in law enforcement,” Kempster said. “It’s really like coming home. I love the people here.”
Kempster grew up in Hendersonville and now lives just over the county line in Rutherford County. He’s worked previously for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, beginning under former sheriff David Satterfield. He has also worked for the Tryon Police Department and the Rutherfordton Police Department. Under Satterfield, Kempster served as lieutenant of investigations and was the lieutenant of investigations for Rutherfordton as well.
Polk County Sheriff Donald Hill said one of the many positive points of Kempster is that he is a certified law enforcement trainer, which should help officers in his department keep up to date with training.
“He’s a good, experienced and knowledgeable guy,” Hill said. “One benefit is that he is a Basic Law Enforcement (BLET) instructor, so a lot of our guys already know him. He’s been many of our officers’ teacher and mentor.”
Kempster teaches BLET at Isothermal Community College in Spindale. He recently was named qualified assistant to the director. Kempster does in-service training and specializes in firearms, specialized haz-mat and explosives. He is currently finishing his associate’s degree in criminal justice and plans to get a bachelor’s degree in public leadership and management. He received his instructor training at Western Piedmont Community College and specialized instructor training at the N.C. Justice Academy. Kempster has also received law enforcement executive training through N.C. State University.
“I’m extremely excited about joining the sheriff’s office,” said Kempster. “I would like to take the knowledge I’ve gained in law enforcement and bring my experience to train officers to better serve the citizens.”
Kempster replaces former chief deputy Calvin Atkins, who resigned on July 8.