South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Private 1st Class Jordan Douglas was chosen as the Blue Lives Matter Officer of the Year by students with the Law Enforcement program at the F.E. DuBose Career Center.
The students showed their appreciation to the men and women in law enforcement in Clarendon County during an Appreciation Luncheon held May 4 at the F.E. DuBose Career Center in Manning.
The students recognized the importance of wanting to help bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community.
"Over the past few years, the image of law enforcement personnel has been tainted by the media and the residents they serve daily," said F.E. DuBose Career Center law enforcement services program instructor Ladell Grice, a retired law enforcement officer. "As our appreciation to these devoted officers, we would like to show our support by hosting a law enforcement appreciation luncheon in their honor."
Grice said that every agency in Clarendon County was invited to attend. The only requirement was that each agency submit a headcount to help determine supplies and food needed for the event.
Each department head was also asked to submit three nominees as officers who exemplify selfless commitment and dedication to their profession. The nominees submitted by each agency were voted on by the students, and that's how Douglas was recognized as the Blue Lives Matter Officer of the Year.
The Rev. George P. Windley Sr., pastor of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church of Manning, provided the invocation for the ceremony, which included entertainment by Joseph Brown of Relevant Voices. Lt. Col. Chris Williamson, deputy commander of the S.C. Highway Patrol, was the guest speaker.
"Highlights of the event included a slideshow of the Clarendon County law enforcement officers, a memorial candle lighting ceremony, and Douglas being chosen as the officer of the year," said Grice.
Sponsors included C.J.'s Creations, FTC, Hands-on Driver Training, the Manning Rotary Club, Piggly Wiggly, RadioShack, Samuels Funeral Home and Willam H. Johnson Law Firm. Lunch was provided by Jean Shaw and the F.E. DuBose Career Center culinary arts class. Members of the center's law enforcement class served as hosts and hostesses for the event.
Nominees from each department included Capt. Kenneth Clark, Lt. Matthew Stone and Sgt. Eric Rosdail from the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office; Lance Cpl. Orlando T. McCray, Trooper James "Cam" Welsh and Lance Cpl. J.B. "Britt Parker of the S.C. Highway Patrol; Agent Susan Rucker of the state Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; Private 1st Class Thomas E. Laney, Private 1st Class Blake Baxley and Private 1st Class Jordan Douglas of the state Department of Natural Resources.
