The PIO Podcast
The PIO Podcast is a leading resource for Public Information Officers (PIOs) and Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) working in law enforcement, fire service, EMS, emergency management, and government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. Focused on crisis communications, media relations, and public trust, this podcast delivers expert insights, real-world strategies, and interviews with experienced communicators across the public sector.
Each episode explores the challenges PIOs face, including managing breaking incidents, navigating social media, combating misinformation, and communicating effectively during emergencies and high-pressure situations. Whether you are a new PIO or a seasoned public affairs professional, The PIO Podcast provides actionable guidance to strengthen your communication skills and leadership impact.
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The PIO Podcast
Trent Faris - Public Information Officer - York County Sheriff's Office, SC
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About Trent Faris - Trent Faris serves as Public Information Officer for the York County Sheriff’s Office, a full-service and nationally accredited law enforcement agency employing approximately 400 full and part-time, sworn, and civilian personnel. He has held this position for nine years.
Trent is responsible for the daily coordination, circulation, formulation, and dissemination of communications to the media and publicity pertaining to the York County Sheriff's Office.
Trent is trained in Crisis Communications, achieving Advanced PIO training through FEMA and the FBI-LEEDA Master PIO course.
He develops communication strategies and tactics to promote, enhance, and protect the agency's brand of fostering a positive and mutually beneficial relationship with the citizens of York County and the Sheriff's Office. In addition to those duties, Trent oversees video production for the York County Sheriff's Office aimed at public service announcements and crime prevention and assists with criminal investigations through visual media.
Trent manages website content and social media sites for the York County Sheriff's Office, The Sheriff's Foundation of York County, Inc., and Crime Stoppers of York County.
A native of Rock Hill, SC, Trent graduated in 2002 from Winthrop University with a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communication, one of only two accredited journalism schools in South Carolina. Trent was nominated for an Emmy for work on a series of stories about World War II veterans living in the greater Charlotte area. Also earned and won several awards for reports from the Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas.
Before joining the YCSO, he worked for seven years as the South Carolina Bureau Reporter/Multi-Media Journalist for WBTV News in Charlotte NC. Before WBTV, he worked as a Sports Reporter and Photojournalist at CN2 News in Rock Hill SC. While attending Winthrop University, Trent worked and interned at WBT Radio WLNK Radio in Charlotte, NC
Trent is a veteran of the US Navy, serving as an Aviation Ordnanceman as well as serving with the US Marine detachment for ship security from 1994 to 1997.
In his spare time, Trent is a volunteer soccer and basketball coach and is the Cooperative Weather Observer in Catawba, SC for the National Weather Service.
Trent's Twitter handle @trentfaris
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