Longtime South Carolina Department of Corrections warden Edsel Taylor (right) is congratulated by South Carolina DOC Director Joel Anderson (left) and Deputy Director for Operations Dennis R. Patterson Sr. (middle) upon receiving the Order of the Palmetto on July 20. | Photo Credit: South Carolina Department of Corrections
Edsel Taylor, whose 51-year career with the South Carolina Department of Corrections included service as the nation’s longest-serving prison warden, has received the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor.
Taylor was presented the award during the Dorchester County Council’s July 20 meeting. The honor recognizes extraordinary lifetime achievement, service and significant contributions to the state, capping a public-service career that has spanned corrections, the military and conservation…