Jeff Covington part of a law enforcement family

In some corners, the name Covington is synonymous with Seneca. H-P Covington was a long-time city councilman. His son, Pat, served as police chief and later as mayor. The late Pat Covington’s two sons followed their father into the law enforcement field as soon as they reached the age of 21. Today John Covington serves as Seneca police chief. His younger brother, Jeff, is an Oconee sheriff’s deputy. Jeff Covington’s career as a deputy was interrupted by a tragic, off-duty accident in 2006. But he persevered with the help of his doctors, his wife, and his faith. And that was at the crux of his luncheon talk yesterday at the South Carolina Department of Vocational Rehabilitation near Seneca. He and his family were advised by the head of a trauma team that Covington’s severed right leg and damaged left leg would likely not allow him to once again be a cop. Not only has he resumed his deputy’s duties, but he starts his day by running three miles—-on a prosthetic leg. To many of those who meet him, a slight limp is the only indication of a disability.