Michael’s story is much like that of many other folks in Darlington County. Parents Johnny and Diana were hardworking, blue collar people who moved to the Pee Dee in the late 1960s for work. Michael was born in Darlington in 1972.

He and big brother Gary enjoyed a typical 1970s childhood, building tree houses and playing outdoors until the streetlights came on. They learned serious lessons from their family, too: Do the right thing. Say yes sir and yes ma’am. When you take a job, show up on time and work hard. Your word is your bond, and when you say you’ll do something, always do it. And stick to it.

After graduating from St. John’s High School, it was time to choose a career. Brother Gary was already working in law enforcement. His uncle was a chief of police in the PeeDee and second cousin was in the FBI. One ride along with Gary was all it took. Michael, too, would wear a badge.

He started out working in security at H.B. Robinson Nuclear Generating Station for three years. In 1994, he joined the Darlington Police Department’s ranks and graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy soon after. He would go on to work there for the next 19 years.

Like many rookie officers, he started on patrol duty – traffic stops, responding to burglaries and domestic violence incidents, even walking the beat both day and night. He worked his way up to corporal, supervising other patrolmen.

He made a name in the department by making drug arrests stemming from routine traffic stops. That led to becoming a sergeant in the narcotics unit where Michael went after street dealers and their suppliers. He was part of a three agency task force that went after drug peddlers.

From there he became a senior special agent with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, or SLED, where he spent five years.

Then it was back to the Darlington Police Department before Michael switched to McLeod Security. In 2019, Michael joined the Society Hill Police Depart, eventually serving as Chief until 2022. 

Along the way, Michael was recipient of the Officer of the Year Award. He underwent advanced polygraph training, as well as narcotics commander school and crisis negotiating.

Then there’s his family life. As Michael was walking into a grocery store one day in the 1990s, Michael ran into Pam Auman and her mother. That led to a date. They eventually married, built a house, and started a family. They’re now raising daughters Sarah and Michaela. Sarah is now a Freshman at the University of South Carolina majoring in Public Relations. She hopes to one day become a prosecutor, helping provide closure for victims and sending criminals behind bars.  Michaela attends a local Christian School and is a volleyball standout, playing both for her school and a travel team. All four Augusts are avid football fans and try to catch as many games as possible, either in the stands or watching at home with their dogs Carolina and Arya.