LEXINGTON COUNTY
SHERIFF’S FOUNDATION
QUAR TE RLY NE WSL E T TE R
AP RIL 1, 2015
2014…A Year in Review
The Lexington County Sheriff’s Foundation had another successful year in 2014, due
to your continued support. Your contributions helped the foundation fill the gaps
between the Sheriff’s Departments needs and their funding availability. Below are a
few of the notable purchases that your support helped fund:
Fun and Friendly Competition at the
2015 “Jailbreak 5K Run & Walk”
Come kick off your Memorial
Day Weekend with some fun
and friendly competition at
the 9th Annual “Jailbreak 5K
Run & Walk”. This 5K was once
again selected as one of South
Carolina’s Top Races (at all
distances) by the state’s USATF
representative, Bill Marable.
DATE: Saturday, May 23, 2015
WHERE: Lexington County
Sheriff’s Department
521 Gibson Rd., Lexington, SC
Call 803-785-8230 for directions.
TIME:
6:15 am - Packet pick up and
late registration begin
8:00 am - 5K Run & Walk begins
• Six tactical riot suits & helmets
• Helped fund training for swift water rescue and dive teams
• Two ballistic shields for SWAT Team
• Sound equipment for internal department use, as well as
community functions that the department supports
• Computer Cart for IT
• Computer for Sex Offender Registry
• Handlebar Mounted Sirens for Department Bicycles
• Refrigerators and Microwaves for the Correctional Officers in the Jail
• Discounted memberships to Gold’s Gym for department employees
Check out our website for other Notable Purchases made in prior years including
Three K-9s and a Bloodhound!
In addition, the Foundation hosted their three main events:
1. Deputy of the Year Awards Banquet
2. Jailbreak 5K Run & Walk
3. Jailbreak Escape Challenge Run
And, the board added two new members: Jamie Addison and Rachel Popkowski.
In addition to general board member duties, Jamie will also focus on developing
the Foundation’s membership base and Rachel will focus on marketing efforts and
content for the Foundation’s website. Both are excited to be a part of this meaningful
foundation.
Thank you for your support of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Foundation.
Your contributions not only help the employees of the Sheriff’s Department, but also the
community that we enjoy so much.
COURSE: USATF Certificate #SC
07011BS
2015 Board Members
ENTRY FEE:
5K prior to race day 5K race day Jacob Cook - Chair
Sun Solutions
Pat Ayers
Retired
Frank “Sparky” Douglass
Douglass Financial Group
John Bozard - Vice Chair
First Citizens Bank
Rich Bolen
Bolen Law Firm
Brandon Jeffcoat
Clarks Termite & Pest Control
Brian Kunar - Treasurer
Wells Fargo Bank
Robin Brown
First Community Bank
Rachel Popkowski
Livingston Insurance Agency
$25.00
$30.00
Register online at:
www.strictlyrunning.com
All proceeds from the run go to
The Lexington County Sheriff’s
Foundation. We hope you and your
family and friends can join us!
Jamie Addison
First Community Bank
Becky Dickson
Retired
Jeff Sarokas
Lowcountry Billing Services
Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Liaisons
Captain Lee Marshall
Tammy Taylor
A Night of Acronyms and
Accomplishments
On February 26, 2015, over 500 Sherriff’s Department employees
and civilians gathered at the Jamil Temple to attend the 2014 Deputy
of Year Awards Banquet. This annual Dinner and Silent Auction is
a fundraiser for the Foundation but also gives us the opportunity
to recognize some key members of the Lexington County Sheriff’s
Department as well as applaud the efforts of the entire department.
2014 Winners
Deputy of the Year:
Detective Adam Creech
Correctional Officer of the Year:
Field Training Officer Carlos Rentas
Brian S. Mills First-Year Officer Award:
Correctional Officer Reggie Lighty
Our speaker this year
was the incredible Clebe
McClary, a Vietnam Veteran
who turned his devastating
combat injuries into an
inspirational and uplifting
message that anyone can
relate to. He is a man of
many acronyms that he
shared with us throughout
the evening including this
one: FIDO – forget it, drive
on. A message that so many of us can apply to our every day lives.
Civilian Employee of the Year:
Accreditation Manager Katherine Luvisi
In addition to the powerful message that Clebe delivered with the
support of his wife, Deanna, there were over 100 silent auction items
that were up for bid, and we are excited to share that every single
one of those items were bid on. The silent auction combined with
the kind donations of our many sponsors and general ticket sales
raised around $10,000 for the Foundation.
First-Line Supervisor of the Year:
Sgt. Jesse Laintz
The 11 award recipients from that evening are of the highest caliber
and just prove what an amazing Sheriff’s Department we have in
Lexington County.
Reserve Deputy of the Year:
Sgt. Tom Robinson
School Resource Officer of the Year:
Officer Dale Owen, Pine Ridge Middle School
Community Service Officer of the Year:
Sgt. Darren Wiseman
Investigator of the Year:
Detective Brian Smith
Volunteer of the Year:
Dannie Novak
Explorer of the Year:
Sgt. Connor Taylor
What an incredible night! Thank you to all who attended.
We look forward to seeing you next year!
Award Winner Bios from the 2014 Deputy of Year Awards Banquet
EXPLORER OF THE YEAR: Sergeant Connor Taylor
Taylor joined Explorers Post 106 at the Sheriff’s Department in September 2014 and was promoted to the rank of sergeant
on January 6, 2015, based on Taylor’s leadership abilities and his commitment to serve the Explorers Post. Taylor frequently
volunteers his time to assist the Sheriff’s Department and regularly participates in Explorers Post events.
Taylor works closely with newer members of the Explorers Post in order to ensure that they benefit fully from training
classes that law enforcement officers conduct for the Explorers Post. Taylor eventually hopes to be employed as a ranger
with the National Park Service.
(Continued on page 3)
LEXINGTON COUNTY
SHERIFF’S FOUNDATION
LexingtonCountySheriffsFoundation.com
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Dannie Novak
Since May 2014, Novak has volunteered more than 385 hours of his time to assist personnel who oversee evidence at
Sheriff’s Department headquarters in Lexington. Novak performs his work with great attention to detail and performs a
wide variety of duties in many conditions.
Novak helped prepare for disposal more than 10,295 items in evidence that no longer were needed to prosecute criminal
cases. Novak also helped prepare 3,300 drug items for incineration by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division since
the drugs were no longer needed to prosecute criminal cases. Novak always has a smile on his face and is grateful to assist
evidence custodians in carrying out whatever task is at hand.
BRIAN S. MILLS FIRST-YEAR OFFICER AWARD: Correctional Officer Reggie Lighty
Lighty was appointed to serve as a correctional officer at the Lexington County Detention
Center on April 28, 2014. Lighty has shown great dedication to maintaining security and safety
at the Detention Center. An example of this was when Lighty found a white powder on an
inmate who was being processed for booking at the Detention Center.
Lighty regularly fines cigarettes, lighters, unauthorized prescription medications, marijuana,
and other contraband items on inmates who are being processed for booking at the Detention
Center. And on several occasions, Lighty stopped unauthorized communication between
inmates. Lighty strives to set a good example for fellow correctional officers as well as inmates
at the Detention Center. Lighty is a dedicated and professional correctional officer.
CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR: Accreditation Manager Katherine Luvisi
In 2014, Luvisi showed that the Sheriff’s Department complied with nearly 500 standards that the Commission on
Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, CALEA for short, established in awarding advanced international law
enforcement accreditation, which is the gold standard in public safety, and has been to the Sheriff’s Department for the
sixth time. A team of specially trained assessors with CALEA conducted a four-day, on-site assessment at the Sheriff’s
Department in August 2014. Luvisi and her team showed that the Sheriff’s Department complied with professional
standards in the areas of policies and procedures, administration, and operations.
In 2012, Luvisi was appointed to serve as the first, full-time accreditation manager for the Sheriff’s Department. Luvisi
worked to convert all of the agency’s written policies and procedures into a digital format that can be accessed via
the Internet. Luvisi also systematically gathered and maintained documentation that shows the Sheriff’s Department
complies with CALEA standards for law enforcement accreditation. Luvisi does the behind the scenes work to show to the
public what we all know to be true at the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department… We have one of the best in the world!
RESERVE DEPUTY OF THE YEAR: Sergeant Tom Robinson
In April 2006, Robinson began volunteering his time to assist full-time, paid deputies with
the Sheriff’s Department. Robinson continued to volunteer his time as a reserve deputy while
undergoing medical treatment in 2014 for a serious medical condition.
While undergoing medical treatment, Robinson continued to participate in reserve deputy
training and continued to work with the Sheriff’s Department. Robinson has assisted in
investigations that involve vulnerable adults and senior citizens. Robinson has become a
strong advocate for adults who must depend on other persons to care for them.
Robinson’s grit and drive in continuing to work as a reserve deputy despite his health
condition is an inspiration to all employees at the Sheriff’s Department.
(Continued on page 4)
LEXINGTON COUNTY
SHERIFF’S FOUNDATION
LexingtonCountySheriffsFoundation.com
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER OF THE YEAR: Officer Dale Owen, Pine Ridge Middle School
Owen encourages students who encounter difficulties at school and at home to become better persons by mentoring
them in an Honor Guard program that Owen implemented at Pine Ridge Middle School. Students who participate in
the Honor Guard program present flags at school assemblies and other events, and the students also represent their
school at parades and other special events.
Owen also encourages students to participate in community-service projects, such as donating non-perishable food
items to the Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter, donating used cellular telephones to Cell Phones for Soldiers, and
donating bottled beverages and snack foods to the USO at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport.
Administrators at Pine Ridge Middle School report that Owen’s interactions with students have substantially enhanced
students’ behavior at school and led to far fewer disciplinary problems at the school. Owen also serves on the School
Improvement Council at Pine Ridge Middle School.
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: Sergeant Darren Wiseman
Wiseman, who now serves as a road patrol supervisor in the West Region Patrol District, is receiving this award in
recognition of his work as the resident deputy for the Red Bank community. Wiseman coordinated several crimesuppression operations in the Red Bank community.
Wiseman worked with loss-prevention employees and managers at the Wal-Mart Supercenter on South Lake Drive in
Red Bank as well as the local magistrate to try to curb shoplifting at the Wal-Mart Supercenter by seeking enhanced
punishments for repeat offenders. Wiseman also coordinated a National Night Out and back-to-school events at the
Wal-Mart Supercenter that included a free hot dog meal for citizens, free dental examinations for children as well as
simulated hunting and fishing games.
In addition, Wiseman helped establish the White Knoll Business Coalition, a non-profit group that promotes commerce
near White Knoll schools and promotes partnerships between businesses, citizens, and law enforcement. Wiseman has
even worked with the property manager at Fern Hill Apartments to establish a Sheriff’s Department substation at the
property.
INVESTIGATOR OF THE YEAR: Detective Brian Smith
Smith has conducted more than 500 investigations since he was promoted
in July 2011 to serve as a property crimes investigator in the North Region
Patrol District. Smith has successfully resolved most of the cases that he
was assigned to investigate. In 2014, Smith obtained more than 60 arrest
warrants for persons who committed property crimes.
Smith approaches his duties with a positive and friendly attitude.
Smith regularly assists fellow detectives in investigating cases. He
has demonstrated a great understanding of South Carolina laws and
investigative techniques.
Smith also serves as a driving instructor for the Sheriff’s Department. In
addition, Smith serves on the Sheriff’s Department team that responds to
calls concerning hazardous incidents, including explosive devices.
(Continued on page 5)
LEXINGTON COUNTY
SHERIFF’S FOUNDATION
LexingtonCountySheriffsFoundation.com
OUTSTANDING FIRST-LINE SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR: Sergeant Jesse Laintz
Laintz has earned the respect of the team of detectives whom he supervises in the
Major Crimes Unit by providing purpose, direction, and motivation for the detectives.
Laintz personally investigates cases when the detectives whom he supervises are busy
handling other cases or completed a busy tour of duty. Laintz often is the first one
to arrive at the office and the last one to leave when the team of detectives that he
supervises is on duty.
Laintz regularly assists detectives whom he supervises by obtaining search warrants,
helping to collect evidence, preparing arrest warrant affidavits, and helping ensure that
crime victims are notified about key steps in criminal investigations. Laintz leads by
example and works to ensure that detectives and their families are well taken care of.
Laintz also serves on the Special Weapons and Tactics Team.
CORRECTIONAL OFFICER OF THE YEAR: Field Training Officer Carlos Rentas
Fellow correctional officers report that Rentas regularly uses his excellent interpersonal
and communication skills to diffuse tense situations at the Detention Center. Rentas
teaches correctional officers whom he is training to be vigilant about maintaining a safe
and secure environment at the detention facility. He also ensures that housing units are
kept clean and orderly.
Rentas also regularly volunteers his time to represent the Sheriff’s Department and
Detention Center at job fairs, encouraging people to pursue a career in corrections. In
addition, he works with Hiring Our Heroes, which is an organization that helps veterans
of the United States armed forces find employment after they complete their military
careers.
DEPUTY OF THE YEAR: Detective Adam Creech
Creech was the case officer in the investigation that led to the arrest of Timothy Ray
Jones, Jr., for killing his five young children. A gag order that a circuit judge issued in
the case prohibits a detailed accounting of the work that Creech did in obtaining arrest
warrants for Jones, who is awaiting trial.
Creech diligently investigated a missing person report that was filed with the Sheriff’s
Department concerning Jones’ five children. Creech worked with local, state, and federal
law enforcement agencies in multiple jurisdictions in several states over the course of
the investigation. During the investigation, Creech was required to put in exhaustive
hours.
Creech performed these duties at an exceptionally high level. He has cataloged and
documented many items that will be used as evidence at Jones’ trial.
As if this was not enough, Detective Creech investigated dozens of other major crimes while supporting the
investigations lead by his teammates. In addition, he and his wife, Lauren, are expecting their first child this year.
LEXINGTON COUNTY
SHERIFF’S FOUNDATION
LexingtonCountySheriffsFoundation.com