Jennifer Mihiylov

July 2026 Issue—Red, White & Brave

Photography (top) by 
Lindsay Pettinicchi Photography, LLC


Jennifer Mihiylov

Current Residence: Beaufort
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona

Career & Rank: Criminal Investigator (Sergeant) assigned to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Northern Investigation Section.

Family: “Wonderful” husband, Matthew; 6 “amazing” children, Eian (28), Briona (27), Benjamin (23), Emarra (21), Anthony (17), and Andrew (17). Grandson, Jackson (6), and an amazing daughter-in-law, Aspen (23), married to Benjamin

Biggest Passion: Travel! I also like to shop and go to the movies.

What inspired you to pursue such a challenging career?
I have felt a deep calling to serve my country and community for as long as I can remember. As a child, I always admired the military and law enforcement men and women in my community. After high school, I tried to enlist in the military, but medical circumstances prevented it. So, I focused on becoming a law enforcement officer to be able to serve and protect my community.

What is the No. 1 thing you would teach women about safety?
Always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings and trust your intuition. Danger can arise even in the most familiar places. Stay present, stay alert and never underestimate the power of simply paying attention.

In your background, what gave you the courage to fearlessly pursue your passion?
My background is a remarkable story of resilience. I grew up in a volatile environment, exposed to experiences no child should have to face that can leave lasting scars. It was a struggle, but rather than allowing those circumstances to define me, I made a conscious choice to rise above them. The hardships I endured showed me who I didn’t want to become. Looking where I am now, I would not change my past.

When I became a mother, everything came into sharper focus. I wanted to break the cycle I lived through to become someone far different for my children, someone they could look up to and be proud of. That became the foundation of everything I have worked toward. My children and my husband give me the courage every day to pursue my passion without hesitation and without fear. They are not just my motivation, but also my reason.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve ever received in pursuing your field/branch? 
When I began my criminal justice studies at Technical College of the Lowcountry, I crossed paths with Professor Michael Ricks, and it changed the trajectory of my life. He was tough on me, pushing me beyond what I thought I was capable of, but never let me lose sight of my potential. His belief in me not only shaped my academic success, but also the career I have built since. Michael Ricks remains one of the cornerstones of my career, and I am deeply grateful for the mark he has left on my life.

What is your most proud accomplishment so far?
Next to my family, my education is my greatest source of pride. My journey began in 2010 when I enrolled in the criminal justice program at Technical College of the Lowcountry, earning my associate’s degree in 2013. From there, I had the opportunity to attend The Citadel as an evening undergraduate student, graduating in 2015. Still driven to grow, I continued at The Citadel for my master’s degree, earning a graduate certificate in leadership in 2018 and a master’s degree in social science in 2019. I pursued each with purpose to better provide for my family and prove to myself that with enough determination anything is possible.

What encouragement do you have for women/girls who are interested in pursuing a career in your field?
Go for it! Do not let anyone tell you this career is not for you. If this is something you are passionate about, law enforcement needs you. Understand this career requires sacrifice and willingness to put in the work. Have faith in your abilities, be aware of your limits, and learn as much as you can before you begin. It’s never too late to follow your dreams.

Is it hard to work in such a tough world to not take the stressors of the streets home with you?
Working as an investigator comes with a weight that doesn’t always stay at the office, and I would be lying if I said it never followed me home. I do my best to shield my family from the things I see and do on the job. And I’ve learned that presence matters more than perfection. My children have grown into their own busy lives, so when we do have time together, I try to be fully there—engaged, attentive, and invested.

What do you do for fun?
Traveling is my passion, and I’ve been fortunate enough to truly live it. Eight years in Japan gave me an intimate connection to a culture I came to deeply love. I made memories there I will cherish for a lifetime. Since then, three trips to Europe have taken me through Greece, Iceland, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, England, Italy, and Montenegro! I’m deeply grateful for every stamp in my passport and even more grateful for a husband who shares my desire to see the world. Life is short, and the world is vast. My goal is to experience as much of it as possible, taking something meaningful from every place I’m lucky enough to visit.