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.
Today, we remember Internal Revenue Service – Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division Investigator Lawrence Edgar Davis and York County Sheriff’s Office Detective Micheal Robert Doty.
On this date in 1956, Investigator Larry Davis and a pilot with the South Carolina National Guard were killed in a plane crash while searching for illegal stills in Inman.
On this date in 2018, Detective Micheal Doty succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained the previous day while searching for a subject who had shot a York County Sheriff’s canine handler earlier in the night.
Our brave men & women of law enforcement face constant dangers to keep our communities safe. The recent incident in Rock Hill highlights the risks they take daily. Two individuals involved in an armed robbery and chase put officers at great risk.
We applaud the collaboration of Rock Hill Police, York County Sheriff’s Office, Chester County Sheriff’s Office, and SC Highway Patrol in bringing these criminals to justice. Their coordinated efforts resulted in the apprehension of the suspects.
We stand united with our officers, thankful for their dedication. Incidents like these underscore the need for continued support and resources to ensure the safety of those who protect and serve.
