Congratulations to Corporal Earl Barber to his promotion to the rank of Sergeant.

Congratulations to Deputy Melissa watts on her promotion to the rank of Corporal.

Deputy Kenneth McKenzie

On Augusta 23^rd 2014 at 1625 hours Deputy Kenneth McKenzie answered a call to the Augusta Hotel at 1365 Gordon Highway in reference to a burglary suspect in Room 244.  Deputy Kenneth McKenzie had just taken the burglary report from room 131 at 1515 hours this date. Deputy McKenzie went to room 244 and encountered two suspects in the Room.  Deputy McKenzie was attentive, observant and acted in a swift manner which led to the arrest of two convicted felons on firearm charges.  Deputy McKenzie's actions also led to a verbal confession from one of the subjects for burglary that occurred in room 131. Deputy McKenzie's attention to details also led to the recovery of a lap top computer that was taken during the burglary, the seizure of the firearm the convicted felons had in their possession, and the seizure of methamphetamines which led to felony drug charges being placed on both suspects. The following day, during a pro-active stop for a suspicious situation at the IGA on East Boundary, Deputy McKenzie was able to make an arrest on a wanted person for a felony armed robbery.  Upon reading the warrant application at CID, he learned that there was a second person wanted in connection with the same armed robbery whom he had observed earlier in the day on his beat.  He then went back to his patrol area, looked for the second wanted person, located him and made an arrest for the warrant as well as felony drug charges for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Deputy McKenzie's professional attitude during the initial call led to the witness coming forward and supplying him with the information needed to make these arrests and on the following day, his pro-active policing methods led the arrest of two armed robbery suspects.  Deputy McKenzie's exemplary actions, attention to details and professionalism make him very worthy of this award.

Deputy William McClure

On August 23, 2014, Deputy McClure was patrolling MM Scott Apartment complex. During the patrol, Deputy McClure observed 2 subjects setting off fireworks in the parking lot. Upon seeing Deputy McClure, the subjects took flight on foot into apartment 67. A consent search was conducted inside of the residence by Deputy McClure and the rest of Housing Squad A. During the search, one of the subjects who ran into the residence was located hiding under the bed in the master bedroom. This subject was wanted through Aiken, S.C. for serious felony violations including kidnapping, armed robbery and a firearm violation and had been a fugitive for some time.  Approximately 2.1 grams of marijuana and a loaded .38 caliber revolver was also seized from the residence.  The subject was taken into custody and claimed ownership of the marijuana and the firearm. Deputy McClure did an outstanding job on patrol and was attentive to persons that he observed while patrolling. Because of Deputy McClure’s alertness and knowledge of the law, a wanted felon was quickly apprehended without incident and a firearm and drugs were taken off the street.

Deputy Dwayne Christy  

On August 21, 2014 this office received a letter from Captain Steve Morris of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office which details the events as follows: On Thursday evening August 14, 2014 around 22:30 hours a woman was beaten and her husband murdered in the parking lot of the Wesley United Methodist church during a carjacking in Columbia County. Later, the suspect in this case arrived at the TPS convenience store on Peach Orchard Road and asked the clerk for directions. Many Richmond County deputies were assisting to locate this suspect until it was realized he had left the area and was believed headed to Florida. Shortly thereafter, Deputy Christy stops at a gas station and initiated a conversation with the clerk about the murder investigation. He was told by the clerk that a suspicious black male, with blood on his face and driving a gold SUV, came to the window and asked for directions to 1-95 South towards Florida. Deputy Christy immediately called Columbia County dispatch and advised them of this information. Video was collected from the store and this information was relayed to the Florida Highway Patrol, which ultimately lead to the arrest of the suspect. Deputy Christy's actions were instrumental in the timely capture of this suspect.  Due to the quick and efficient actions of Deputy Christy, a murder suspect was tracked down and arrested. Deputy Christy is to be commended for his actions and he is appreciated by this office and all of Richmond County. His actions in this case are also appreciated by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Columbia County.

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office would like to thank Deputy Nathaniel Goodwin for 25 years of distinguished service to this agency and the citizens of Richmond County

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office would like to thank Gail Telfair for 20 years of distinguished service to this agency and the citizens of Richmond County

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office would like to thank Inv. Timothy Rzasa for 20 years of distinguished service to this agency and the citizens of Richmond County

 Deputy Anthony Gregory

On August 13, 2014 another deputy had performed a Traffic Stop at 801 Walton Way. Corporal Jeffrey Burdick and Deputy Anthony Gregory stopped to assist.  While conducting this traffic stop a second vehicle stopped and Corporal Burdick and Deputy Gregory approached this vehicle.  Deputy Gregory stated he smelled marijuana inside the vehicle.  The female driver stated she did not have any marijuana.  The male passenger stated he had marijuana on his person and reached into his pocket and handed Deputy Gregory a clear plastic bag containing 8.2 grams of marijuana.  When asked if he had any weapons or any other contraband on his person the male subject stated no and then he tried to flee the scene on foot.  After a brief struggle Deputies took the suspect into custody.  Corporal Burdick sustained a laceration to his forehead and a large abrasion on his right knee.  During the post arrest search of the suspect's person, Corporal Burdick recovered 14.3 grams of powder cocaine and 11.7 grams of crack cocaine. The suspect also had a felony warrants out of North Augusta for drug possession warrant and resisting arrest with an injury to an officer.  Due to Corporal Burdick and Deputy Gregory's willingness to back up a fellow officer, their alert presence on the scene and their willingness to make the arrest even at their own physical expense, a felon was taken off the streets. The actions of these deputies reflect in a positive manner on this agency and its mission to take traffic stops to the next Level.

Deputy Matthew Sanderson

On August 3, 2014 at approximately 0252 hours the BP station at 3011 Washington Rd. was robbed. Deputy Sanderson responded to the scene and learned the description of the suspect and vehicle. Deputy Sanderson located a vehicle matching the description in River Park Commons. Deputy Sanderson stopped the truck and detained the three occupants. As a result of the stop all the occupants were arrested for the robbery. The items taken from the store along with a .45 caliber pistol were found in the truck. Deputy Sanderson was able to accomplish these arrests without any incident.  Deputy Sanderson is to be commended for his actions in this matter. His efforts lead to the capture of three subjects and more than likely prevented further incidents from occurring.