Governor Henry McMaster honored three officers as the 2025 statewide winners in the State, County, and Municipal categories. Each recipient received a $10,000 award as part of the Governor’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award program.
The annual program recognizes law enforcement professionals who demonstrate exceptional professionalism, dedication to duty, community service, valor, and innovation in the profession.
South Carolina is fortunate to have the best law enforcement officers in the country.
Governor Henry McMaster
“South Carolina is fortunate to have the best law enforcement officers in the country. Their work is essential to keeping our communities safe and too often goes unrecognized,” Governor Henry McMaster said. “This ceremony gives us the opportunity to honor the hard work they do every day to serve the people of our state with bravery and integrity.”
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety administers the award program through an advisory committee composed of law enforcement leaders appointed by Governor McMaster. The committee reviews nominations submitted by South Carolina law enforcement associations and selects one overall winner in each category.
The South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police is honored to serve as part of the selection process recognizing officers whose service reflects the highest standards of professionalism and commitment to their communities.
Eleven finalists from agencies across South Carolina were selected for recognition during this year’s ceremony.
State Finalists
Lieutenant Jamie Shaw, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
The Governor’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year program continues to recognize the professionalism, service, and leadership demonstrated by officers across South Carolina each day. The finalists and award recipients represent agencies and communities throughout the state and reflect the continued commitment of South Carolina law enforcement to public service and public safety.
On this date in 1906, Deputy Eli Pittman succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained several hours earlier while attempting to arrest a man he believed to be intoxicated. The man had made previous threats against Deputy Pittman and shot him as he approached. The suspect was shot and killed. Deputy Pittman was survived by his wife and two children.
Today, we remember Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office Captain Otis Grier, Sr., and Greenville County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Antonio Joselito “Joe” Sapinoso.
On this date in 1987, Captain Grier was killed in an automobile accident while on duty.
On this date in 2003, Investigator Sapinoso was shot and killed after being taken hostage when he arrived home from his shift.
On this date in 1975, Lieutenant Rufus Looper was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious person at his father’s garage.
On this date in 2008, Lance Corporal James Haynes was killed in an automobile crash on Highway 33 while responding to another collision that had occurred on I-26 in Orangeburg County at approximately 3:30 a.m.
In a remarkable development, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office has successfully closed a nearly five-decade-old cold case, bringing long-awaited closure to the family of Oscar James Nedd. Known only as “Mr. X” since his remains were discovered in 1975, Nedd’s identity was finally confirmed thanks to the persistent efforts of law enforcement and the pivotal role played by the true crime podcast, “Murder, Etc.”
The case of “Mr. X” began when a hunter stumbled upon human remains wrapped in a sheet and smoldering near Hwy 20 and Blakely Road in Greenville, South Carolina. The Coroner’s Office ruled the death a homicide, identifying blunt force trauma and strangulation as the causes of death. Despite exhaustive efforts to identify the victim, his identity remained a mystery for decades.
In 2020, Greenville Sheriff Hobart Lewis revitalized the town’s cold case unit, equipping it with advanced technology and a renewed focus on unresolved cases. This initiative has led to the resolution of 11 cases to date, with the identification of “Mr. X” as one of its most significant achievements.
Oscar James Nedd was born in Georgia in April 1951 and later moved to White Plains, New York, for his college education. The podcast “Murder, Etc.” brought renewed attention to his case in 2020, prompting the cold case unit to collaborate with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office to exhume the body for further analysis. Skeletal remains were sent to the National Unidentified and Missing Persons System (NAMUS) for DNA testing, resulting in a DNA profile for the victim.
In February 2024, a breakthrough occurred when the White Plains Police Department contacted Greenville investigators with a match to Nedd’s missing persons case filed in New York. Family members confirmed his identity, allowing the long-standing mystery of “Mr. X” to be solved.
Sheriff Hobart Lewis praised the dedication and innovative methods of his team: “The tireless work and innovative approaches employed by our investigators have brought closure to a case that has remained a mystery for nearly five decades. Their determination to seek justice for victims and their families is truly commendable. I want to thank each member of our cold case unit for their hard work and commitment.”
It is believed that Nedd was killed in New York, with his remains transported to South Carolina. The case has now been handed over to White Plains authorities for further investigation.
This case underscores the importance of leveraging modern technology and media in solving cold cases. The collaboration between law enforcement, forensic experts, and media platforms like podcasts can significantly enhance the ability to resolve long-standing mysteries and deliver justice for victims and their families.
As we reflect on this breakthrough, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to pursuing justice for all unresolved cases, demonstrating unwavering dedication to their mission of protecting and serving the community. The identification of Oscar James Nedd is a testament to the relentless pursuit of truth and the impact of innovative investigative approaches.
Sheriff Hobart Lewis and his team deserve our utmost respect for their perseverance and ingenuity in solving this cold case. Their work not only brings closure to the family of Oscar James Nedd but also highlights the critical role of technology and media in modern investigations. The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office continues to exemplify excellence in law enforcement, setting a high standard for their unwavering commitment to justice.
In the challenging realm of law enforcement, officers often face critical decisions requiring split-second judgments. The recent incident in Greenville County involved a deputy-involved shooting that the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) has deemed justified. This incident sheds light on the difficult circumstances officers navigate daily to protect themselves and the community.
In December 2023, GCSO responded to a disturbance call on Pequot Drive. Deputies found themselves in a tense situation when 81-year-old Walter Lester McDonald III, armed with a 1911 45 caliber handgun, refused to drop his weapon. Despite multiple de-escalation attempts, McDonald posed an immediate threat, prompting deputies to respond with deadly force to protect themselves and others. The GCSO’s investigation, following established policy, concluded that the use of deadly force was justifiable given the circumstances.
While any loss of life is regrettable, the GCSO’s ruling emphasizes the challenges faced by deputies. This incident underscores the complexities of law enforcement work, where split-second decisions are made to ensure public safety. The GCSO’s commitment to transparency and adherence to policies highlights their dedication to upholding justice while ensuring the safety of both law enforcement officers and the community they serve.
For more details, you can watch the report from the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office here.
In the recent incident in Greenville County, South Carolina, law enforcement officers from the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about a disturbance and a possible assault. The situation escalated, leading to a fatal shooting by a sheriff’s deputy. While details are still emerging, it is crucial to acknowledge the challenging circumstances that officers often face in the line of duty.
Law enforcement officers are tasked with ensuring public safety and responding to situations that can quickly escalate, putting both officers and civilians at risk. The incident in Greenville County highlights the unpredictable and dynamic nature of police work, where split-second decisions can have profound consequences.
As the President of the South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police, I want to express our unwavering support for law enforcement officers who put themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities. The safety and well-being of both officers and the public are of paramount importance, and we trust that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the facts surrounding this incident.
It is essential to recognize that law enforcement officers are often called upon to make difficult decisions in high-pressure situations. The men and women who serve in our police force are dedicated professionals who strive to uphold the law and maintain order while facing unknown and potentially dangerous circumstances.
The South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police remains committed to actively engaging in education, legislation, and community participation to enhance the working conditions of law enforcement officers. Our collective voice advocates for the rights of law enforcement professionals and supports initiatives that promote safety, accountability, and transparency within our communities.
In times of uncertainty, it is important to stand united in our commitment to law enforcement and recognize the sacrifices they make to safeguard our communities. We extend our thoughts and condolences to all those affected by this incident and reaffirm our dedication to fostering a constructive dialogue between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
