Media: Photos from the ceremony will be posted to the SC Department of Public Safety’s online photo album and the SCDPS Facebook page later this afternoon, May 21, 2024. Please continue to check for updates.
COLUMBIA — Governor Henry McMaster held the second annual Governor’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Ceremony today in Columbia, to publicly commend exceptional law enforcement professionals statewide. In total, 13 finalists were selected from the nominations of various state, county, and municipal agencies. One winner was named in each of the three categories during the ceremony and awarded $10,000 as part of the Governor’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award program, for which SCDPS is the program administrator.
"Today we recognized the best of the best in South Carolina law enforcement," Governor Henry McMaster said. "These outstanding men and women are the finest in the profession, and I admire their commitment to service and duty. The people of South Carolina are truly fortunate to have such dedicated professionals protecting them every day."
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety was named as the program administrator of the Governor’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award program. As outlined in Proviso 63.10, which comes from the state budget, an advisory committee was established with members appointed by Governor McMaster. The committee includes law enforcement leaders who review and select winners in the three categories mentioned for their professionalism, dedication to duty, community service, valor, and innovation in the profession.
“Our agency is delighted to serve as public administrator of this program once again,” said SCDPS Director, Robert G. Woods IV. “The officers recognized here today set the standard for law enforcement personnel across the state and in generations to come. Hearing these triumphant, heartfelt stories of bravery and compassion is humbling and inspiring.”
The awards were presented to law enforcement professionals in three categories during the ceremony. Click each photo for the winner's portraits.
2023 State Law Enforcement Officer of the Year:
Lance Corporal Bentrice.A. Frazier
South Carolina Highway Patrol
2023 County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year:
Corporal Lucas T. Watts
Oconee County Sheriff’s Office
2023 Municipal Law Enforcement Officer of the Year:
Patrolman First Class Jason Marzan
North Charleston Police Department
The following is a complete list of finalists. *Indicates overall category winner
2023 State Law Enforcement Officer of the Year finalists:
Lance Corporal Courtney Angotti-Smith
South Carolina Department of Natural ResourcesLance Corporal B.A. Frazier*
South Carolina Highway PatrolSpecial Agent Jarrett Greenway
South Carolina Department of CorrectionsSpecial Agent Bralion “BJ” E. Hyatt, Jr.
South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
2023 County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year finalists:
Sergeant Kenneth W. Fitzsimmons
Richland County Sheriff’s DepartmentMaster Deputy Ryan Freeman
Greenville County Sheriff’s OfficeMajor James M. “Matt” Shaw
Lancaster County Sheriff’s OfficeCorporal Lucas T. Watts*
Oconee County Sheriff’s Office
2023 Municipal Law Enforcement Officer of the Year finalists:
Master Police Officer Omar E. Bautista
Charleston Police DepartmentSenior Corporal Christopher Kaderly
Irmo Police DepartmentPatrolman First Class Jason Marzan*
North Charleston Police DepartmentSenior Patrol Officer Raymond Schoonmaker
Mount Pleasant Police DepartmentDetective Aaron J. Smith
North Myrtle Beach Police Department
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors.