The F.E. DuBose Career Center’s Law Enforcement Services Class held its annual Law Enforcement Officer’s Appreciation Luncheon on May 8, honoring Clarendon County law enforcement and first responders for their dedication to public service.
Held at the Central Carolina Technical College F.E. DuBose Campus, the program was dedicated to the late Reverend Dr. George P. Windley, Sr., former senior chaplain at Turbeville Correctional Institution. The event featured music from the Manning High School Jazz Ensemble, a memorial candle-lighting ceremony led by the Windley family, and a heartfelt invocation from Robert Griffin.
The highlight of the program came when students recognized Manning Police Department Lieutenant Sean Briley as the 2025 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
“This officer has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty, embodying professionalism, leadership and service,” a law enforcement student said in the presentation. “Whether through tireless work on patrol, outstanding investigative efforts or simply being a dependable presence, this officer has demonstrated what it means to wear the badge of honor.”
Briley was surprised and humbled by the award, saying, “I’m probably not the one that completely deserves to be up here. There’s a lot of people I’m looking at out here who could be standing in my place. I’m only here because of the wonderful people I work with.”
The Honorable Clifton Newman, recently retired South Carolina Circuit Court Judge, delivered the keynote address. Reflecting on his roots in Greeleyville and early legal work in Manning, Newman shared his journey from practicing law to presiding over some of the state’s most high-profile cases, including the trials of Michael Slager, Nathaniel Rowland, and Alex Murdaugh.
“My connection to Clarendon County goes way back,” Newman said, noting he opened a second law office in Manning early in his career and was sworn in as a judge there in 2000. “Throughout my years, Manning has played a special role in my heart.”
Newman recounted his involvement in high-profile trials, emphasizing the importance of transparency and humility in the pursuit of justice. “I never thought of myself as being higher than I ought. I’ve always tried to apply common sense in situations and seek justice wherever I can.”
Students also recognized several retiring mentors and instructors, including culinary arts instructor Chef Jean Shaw, and S.C. Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services agent Susan Rucker, who supervised student workplace learning. Chef Shaw, who prepared the luncheon meal with her students, was visibly moved.
“I tell my students the secret ingredient to what I do is my passion for teaching, and behind every recipe that we have made, there’s a story,” Shaw said.
Dr. Keisa Carr, interim director of F.E. DuBose Career Center, delivered closing remarks with emotion and gratitude.
“This luncheon has always touched my heart,” Carr said. “To our law enforcement officers, your service does not go unnoticed. And to our law enforcement instructor, Mrs. Grice, your students embody your passion in everything they do.”
Carr emphasized the importance of the community’s involvement, thanking sponsors, students, and district leaders. “Today is a testament to what’s possible when education and community walk hand in hand,” she said.
