York County Sheriff’s Office Honors Outstanding Staff at Annual Awards Banquet

YORK COUNTY, SC – To honor exceptional York County Sheriff’s Office staff members who exceeded expectations in 2023, the Sheriffs Foundation of York County organized the 5th annual YCSO awards banquet. At the event, Sheriff Kevin Tolson proudly revealed the winners of the Deputy of the Year and Detention Officer of the Year. The ceremony was held on March 28, 2024, at Meadowview Events in McConnells, SC.

Sgt. Caleb Bucy was recognized as Deputy of the Year showcasing exemplary dedication and service to the community.

“Sgt. Bucy was hailed by co-workers as a person with exceptional leadership abilities. As a fairly new Sergeant, Caleb hit the road running in our Fort Mil district contending with high priority calls involving homicidal and suicidal attempts, domestic violence and breaking and entering. Despite being short-shifted, he worked tirelessly with his 2 deputies responding to al district calls,” said Captain Jeff Cornwell. “Colleagues recall his keen insight to recognize distress or a call that had the potential to cause distress and check on the wellbeing of all who are involved repeatedly.”

Transport Officer William Harris received the Detention Officer of the Year award by also demonstrating exceptional commitment and professionalism in his role.

“Whenever he is needed, he avails himself to every task and received a good report from the shift supervisor. When Officer Harris comes in, if no transports are assigned, he goes straight to booking to help with fingerprints, initial intake process of inmates and movements as needed, said Sgt. Bobby Heath, Harris’ supervisor. “As it pertains to his position, he is handling all the responsibilities expected of him and is progressing in his understanding of the transportation of inmates and communicating with facilities concerning appointments that are scheduled. In a very short times Officer Harris has been entrusted with some very sensitive transports and has satisfied the requirements placed on him.”

The Officer Harris’ nomination goes on to read, Officer Harris has an exemplary work record and attendance as well as a willingness to work on-call schedules and holidays since he has been assigned to the transport team. Officer Harris consistently goes above and beyond in his job duties. He has a great attitude and steps into any role as needed. He stands as a model officer for the facility and sets a great example for other officers.

“Words cannot express how very proud I am of all of these dedicated public servants’ accomplishments,” said Sheriff Tolson. “The acknowledgment of these awards serves not just as a recognition of individual achievements, but as a testament to the collective dedication of the YCSO’s personnel.”

In addition to these prestigious awards, the ceremony also highlighted other outstanding achievements.

Life Saving Medals Enforcement Division:

• Malcom Cumberland
• Charles Grant
• Leslie Hamblen
• Grant Little
• James Skonicki
• Christopher West

Life Saving Medals Detention Division:

• Paul Aube
• Leigh Bell
• Cassandra Caldwell
• Timothy Combs
• Steven Dellinger
• Niesha Foote
• Lakila Harris
• William Harris
• Tammi Jann
• Michael Jinks
• Cristos Kakouras
• Carlos Nevarez
• Michael Plyler
• Teisha Robinson
• Katherine Sobon
• Diamond Veeder
• Russell Vensk
• Brittany Whitesides
• Santana Woods

Distinguished Acts Award:

• Caleb Bucy
• Justin Curtice
• Cody Doremus
• Grant Little
• Jordan Little
• Joshua Parris
• Austin Quinn
• John Robinson

Special Recognition Awards:

• Timothy Brochin
• Amanda Carter

Public Service Awards:

• Michael Bailey
• Scott Bennett
• Rebecca Crumpton
• Danny Edwards
• Tony Ellis
• Gary and Marilyn Hoffman
• Justin Hoffman
• Nyah Rogers

Detention Division Employees of the Month (2023):

• McKayla Adams
• Danielle Black
• Adam Buchanan
• Shaniquia Carter
• Jason Cox
• Robert Craze
• Jessica Hall
• Ashlee Herring
• Michael Jinks
• Kaleisha Jones-Taylor
• Julia Radford
• Kristie Wensil

Enforcement Division Commendations:

• Lamar Anthony
• Patrick Ashford
• Matthew Barker
• Melvin Billingslea
• David Blackwell
• Caleb Bratton
• Caleb Bucy
• Amanda Carter
• Joshua Cepeda
• Jorge Cobas
• Jeffrey Cornwell
• William Crawford
• Chad Davis
• Michael Doody
• Chris Doty
• Trent Faris
• Lucas Frame
• Berlin Gipson
• Dee Anne Johnson
• Chris Kinsey
• Mack Ledford
• Karen McClure
• Kyle Merck
• Cynthia Mitchum
• Joshua Moon
• Heather Mouzon
• Michael O’Brien
• Alex Parker
• Joshua Parris
• Austin Quinn
• Jhonnatan Ramirez
• John Robinson
• Travis Shealey
• Leigh Ann Sykes
• Melanie Thomas
• Kerri Thomasson
• Holly Tobias
• James Voytko
• Alex Wallace
• Lee Wright

Detention Division Commendations:

• Paul Aube
• Adam Buchanan
• Francine Button-Weyers
• Cassandra Caldwell
• Kiana Caldwell
• Letrell Campbell
• Timothy Combs
• Rashad Davis
• Sheila Davis
• Steven Dellinger
• Casey Eagan
• Michael Hewitt
• Michael Jinks
• Shane Kitchen
• Jeffrey Kloss
• Connie McMillan
• Carlos Nevarez
• Kay Parker
• Tammy Paulley
• Daniel Phillips
• Michael Plyler
• Byron Ratchford
• Robert Reid
• Jamelia Smith
• Kristie Wensil
• Santana Woods

The Sheriff’s Foundation of York County is a is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Recognizing that effective law enforcement is the cornerstone of a free and safe society, the Sheriff’s Foundation of York County, Inc. is committed to a vision of the future that ensures quality, integrity, accountability and increased public support for the law enforcement profession. The 2024 awards banquet was sponsored by Axon, McDaniel Supply Company, Smart Communications, and Trinity Services Group, Inc.

Sheriff Tolson with Sgt. Caleb Bucy.

Sheriff Tolson with Officer