Lance Corporal Norris, Chief Deputy Iseman, and Corporal Rodriguez Honored at Governor’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Ceremony
COLUMBIA, S.C. — May 21, 2025
Three law enforcement officers from across South Carolina were named recipients of the Governor’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award during a ceremony held Wednesday at the South Carolina State Museum.
The annual event, hosted by Gov. Henry McMaster and administered by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, honors excellence in the law enforcement profession across three categories: state, county, and municipal. Each recipient received a $10,000 award and was selected by an advisory committee of law enforcement leaders appointed by the governor.
The South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police, a nominating partner in the program, submitted three officers for consideration this year: Lance Corporal Gene Michael Norris II of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources; Chief Deputy Jonathan Chase Iseman of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office; and Senior Patrol Officer Robert Mathewes of the Mount Pleasant Police Department. Two of the three were selected as winners.
Norris was named State Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for his actions during a high-risk manhunt in September 2024 in McBee. The incident ended in a shootout that claimed the life of K9 Mikka with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Iseman, who also played a critical leadership role in that operation, received the award for County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
The Municipal Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award was presented to Corporal Xavier Rodriguez of the Springdale Police Department. Rodriguez was recognized for his commitment to community policing and proactive public safety initiatives.
“These officers represent the best of our state, and I am inspired by their courage, professionalism, and sense of duty,” McMaster said during the ceremony. “The people of South Carolina are truly blessed to have them serving and protecting each and every day.”
Finalists in each category were nominated by agencies and associations across the state and reviewed based on professionalism, dedication to duty, community service, valor, and innovation.
State Finalists:
- Special Agent Joshua Anderson, South Carolina Department of Corrections
- Lance Corporal Gene Michael Norris II, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
- Lieutenant Jamie N. Shaw, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
- Lance Corporal Chase H. Sprott, South Carolina Highway Patrol
County Finalists:
- Chief Deputy Jonathan Chase Iseman, Lee County Sheriff’s Office
- Captain Annie Jackson, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office
- Lieutenant Jennifer Rumbaugh, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office
- Senior Deputy John W. Sanders, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department
Municipal Finalists:
- Lieutenant Cerdetrica Furman, Sumter Police Department
- Senior Patrol Officer Robert Mathewes, Mount Pleasant Police Department
- Corporal Xavier Rodriguez, Springdale Police Department
SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods IV said the program helps elevate the standard for law enforcement statewide.
“By recognizing these remarkable men and women for their service and accomplishments, we raise the bar for all in the law enforcement profession,” Woods said. “I am humbled and thankful for their selfless dedication, commitment to their communities, and bravery in the face of danger.”
Representatives from the South Carolina FOP attended the ceremony and commended the efforts of all the finalists, noting the importance of recognizing officers who go above and beyond in service to their communities.
