We are honored to celebrate the outstanding law enforcement officers nominated at the Governor’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Ceremony. This event, held today in Columbia by Governor Henry McMaster, recognized the exceptional dedication of our officers across the state.
We are especially proud to announce that one of our nominees, Patrolman First Class Jason Marzan from the North Charleston Police Department, was named Municipal Officer of the Year. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists for their remarkable achievements:
2023 GOVERNOR’S LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OF THE YEAR WINNERS:
- State Law Enforcement Officer of the Year: Lance Corporal B.A. Frazier, South Carolina Highway Patrol Recruiting
- County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year: Corporal Lucas T. Watts, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office
- City Law Enforcement Officer of the Year: Patrolman First Class Jason Marzan, North Charleston Police Department
Finalists:
State Law Enforcement Officer of the Year finalists:
- Lance Corporal Courtney Angotti-Smith, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
- Special Agent Jarrett Greenway, South Carolina Department of Corrections
- Special Agent Bralion “BJ” E. Hyatt, Jr., South Carolina Law Enforcement Division – SLED
County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year finalists:
- Sergeant Kenneth W. Fitzsimmons, Richland County Sheriff’s Department
- Master Deputy Ryan Freeman, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office
- Major James M. “Matt” Shaw, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office
Municipal Law Enforcement Officer of the Year finalists:
- Master Police Officer Omar E. Bautista, City of Charleston Police Department
- Senior Corporal Christopher Kaderly, Irmo Police Department
- Senior Patrol Officer Raymond Schoonmaker, Mount Pleasant Police Department
- Detective Aaron J. Smith, North Myrtle Beach Police Department
Special thanks to Dawndy Mercer Plank for being the master of ceremonies. See more photos from the event here: Photo Album.
Read more about the event here: Press Release.
