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 2013, Horry County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sheriff Timothy Eugene Causey died as a result of the smoke inhalation he suffered on March 16th, 2013, after responding to a massive fire in the Windsor Green area.
On this date in 1945, Assistant Chief William Evans and Chief Robert Gilliam were shot and killed by the father of a man they had just arrested.
On this date in 1973, Deputy Sheriff Charlie Rodgers succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained several days earlier after responding to assist Greenwood Police Department officers at the scene of an active shooting at 11:38 am.
On this date in 1982, Corporal Sadler was killed in an automobile accident while returning from a call.
On this date in 1959, Patrolman Yonce died as a result of burns received in an automobile accident that occurred when his patrol car was struck by a tractor-trailer in Greenwood County.
On this date in 1989, Corporal George Peeler was killed in a vehicle accident about eight miles south of Gaffney while on duty.
On this date in 1996, Sergeant Charles Kubala was shot and killed after responding to a call of a suspicious person. When he arrived at the scene, he confronted the suspect, who shot him once in the ear and once in the shoulder with a .22 caliber handgun.
On this date in 1961, Patrolman John Riddle was killed in an automobile crash when his patrol car was struck by a tractor-trailer on U.S. 301 south of Manning. On this date in 1976, Corporal Doyle Hill suffered a heart attack while carrying a boat across a field in Clarendon County to rescue someone stranded because of weather conditions.
On this date in 1993, Sergeant Thomas Harrison was shot and killed at the local Belk department store inside Prince of Orange Mall at 2390 Chestnut Street NE while attempting to question three subjects who had passed forged checks.
