Longtime Dillon Police Chief Zimp Ivey Dies at 92

Ivey served as Lake View's top cop for over 30 years and oversaw the town's utilities.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:06am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a vintage police badge, the metal surface reflecting a soft, warm glow. The dramatic lighting and shallow depth of field create an intimate, serious mood to represent the legacy of a longtime small-town public servant.The retirement of a small-town police chief after over three decades of service marks the end of an era for the community.Dillon Today

Zimp Ivey, who served as the police chief of Lake View, South Carolina for 34 years from 1955 to 1989, has passed away at the age of 92. Ivey was known throughout the community for his long tenure as the town's top law enforcement officer as well as his oversight of the local water and sewer systems.

Why it matters

Ivey's death marks the end of an era for the small town of Lake View, where he was a fixture in local government and public safety for over three decades. His passing highlights the changing of the guard in many rural Southern communities that have seen longtime public servants retire or pass on in recent years.

The details

In addition to his role as police chief, Ivey also oversaw the town's water and sewer utilities during his time in office. He began his law enforcement career as a night policeman before being promoted to chief in 1955, a position he would hold until his retirement in 1989 at the age of 65.

  • Zimp Ivey served as Lake View's police chief from 1955 to 1989.
  • Ivey passed away on April 5, 2026 at the age of 92.

The players

Zimp Ivey

The longtime police chief of Lake View, South Carolina who served in that role for 34 years from 1955 to 1989. Ivey also oversaw the town's water and sewer utilities during his tenure.

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What they’re saying

“Chief Ivey was a pillar of this community for over three decades. He kept our streets safe and our taps running. We'll miss his steady presence and commitment to Lake View.”

— Mayor Sarah Wilkins, Mayor of Lake View

The takeaway

Ivey's long career in public service highlights the important role that small-town officials can play in maintaining the fabric of a community, even in the face of broader social and economic changes.