The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating one of its own this month. Sergeant Jennifer Mihiylov, a criminal investigator assigned to the Northern Investigation Section, was featured in the July 2026 issue of Pink Magazine as part of its “Red, White & Brave” series.
The Sheriff’s Office shared the news on Facebook, thanking Pink Magazine for highlighting Mihiylov’s story and calling her a reflection of the professionalism, integrity, courage, and commitment the department stands for.
Mihiylov, who now lives in Beaufort, grew up in Tucson, Arizona. Her path to law enforcement wasn’t the one she originally planned.
She tried to join the military after high school but was turned away due to medical issues. Instead, she redirected that same desire to serve toward a career in law enforcement.
A Story Rooted in Resilience
In the feature, Mihiylov opened up about a difficult childhood, describing a volatile home environment that could have shaped her in negative ways. Instead, she said those experiences taught her who she didn’t want to become.
Becoming a mother, she explained, sharpened her focus even more. She wanted to break the cycle she grew up in and become someone her children could look up to.
She credited much of her drive to her husband, Matthew, and their six children, saying they’re not just her motivation but her reason for pushing forward.
Mihiylov also spoke about her education, which she considers one of her proudest accomplishments outside of family.
She started her criminal justice studies at Technical College of the Lowcountry in 2010, earning her associate’s degree in 2013. From there, she attended The Citadel, graduating in 2015, then continued on to earn a graduate certificate in leadership in 2018 and a master’s degree in social science in 2019.
She singled out Professor Michael Ricks as someone who pushed her academically and personally, calling him a lasting influence on her career.
When asked what advice she’d give to women interested in law enforcement, Mihiylov didn’t hold back. She encouraged them to pursue it fully, understand the sacrifices involved, and never assume it’s too late to start.
Outside of work, Mihiylov said travel is her biggest passion. She spent eight years living in Japan and has since taken three trips through Europe, visiting countries including Greece, Iceland, Norway, Italy and England.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said it’s proud to have her serving the community, and grateful for the recognition from Pink Magazine.