BRADLEY WINS THE 2007 SOLICITOR’S AWARD FOR SPARTANBURG LAW ENFORCEMENT EXCELLENCE

When the Spartanburg Public Safety Department has a dirty job to do, they often ask Investigator Tobey Bradley to tackle it.

Bradley is the police department’s arson and white collar crime investigator and his caseload often involves some of the biggest challenges in law enforcement. The veteran investigator pieces together evidence that is buried in mounds of complicated paperwork or in the remains of fire-damaged structures.

The tedious nature of the work and Bradley’s recent successes earned him the 2007 Solicitor’s Award for Spartanburg County Law Enforcement Excellence. Bradley accepted the award tonight at Solicitor Trey Gowdy’s 7th annual law enforcement appreciation dinner at Cleveland Park.

A committee of police officers from several departments nominated and choose the winner.

Bradley’s prize package includes a commemorative plaque, a certificate to drive a BMW for a weekend and a $175 gift certificate to the Mill House Lodge in Flat Rock, NC. He will also have his name added to a plaque in the lobby of the Solicitor’s Office.

“If Tobey’s name is on a case file, I know it is going to be a good one,” Solicitor Gowdy said.

Bradley’s recent successes include the arrests of two men accused of setting fire to the Callaham-Hicks Funeral Home. The Spartanburg landmark sustained heavy damage during a fire that occurred in the early morning hours of Aug. 9, 2007. Richard Lee Bryson, 54, and Albert Edward Harter, 59, were arrested earlier this month on arson and burglary charges.

Bradley’s recent successes spread well beyond the funeral home arrests. For the 12-month period ending in August 2007, Bradley recorded arrests on 55 percent of his 414 assigned cases. His supervisors refer to him as their “go-to guy” for white collar crime. They cite his partnerships with fellow law enforcement and the business community as the key to his success.

“He is not afraid to tackle a tough assignment and stay with it,” Public Safety Director Tony Fisher said.

Bradley was one of five officers recognized their efforts in the local law enforcement. Reggie Spurgeon and Russell Porter of the Spartanburg Safety Department and the South Carolina Highway Patrol’s W.T. “Bill” Rhyne were recognized for their contributions to their respective agencies. Sgt. J.W. “Joey” Guffey of the Duncan Police Department received a brotherhood award for his heroic efforts rendering aid to sheriff’s deputy Kevin Carper when he was slain in the line of duty on Feb. 27, 2007. Guffey rendered aid to Deputy Carper by performing first aid and CPR. He also helped protect the integrity of the crime scene.

Sheriff Chuck Wright eulogized Carper. Andrea Carper, Kevin’s widow, presented the award to Guffey.

Solicitor Gowdy also presented the Bill Barnet Service Above Self Award to the Spartanburg County Chapter of Mothers of Against Drunk Driving for its community education initiatives and its efforts to console families who have been impacted by the crime.

Generous donations by some community leaders helped make the dinner a success. The donor list includes American Storage, Bangkok Café, Biggerstaff Grocery Inc., Bishop Furniture Company, BMW, Bronco Mexican Restaurant, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, CWS Insurance, Dave Edwards Toyota, Dr. Kevin Williams, Embassy Suites, Extended Stay, Farrell Chevrolet & Kia, Fast Way First National Bank, Fulton’s Tackle Box, Gibbs International, Inc., Gramling Brothers, Inc., Kanpai of Tokyo, Kingston Plantation, Johnson Development, Harley Davidson of Spartanburg, Marriot Hotels & Resorts, Marble Slab Creamery, Mill House Lodge, Mr. David White, Mr. Ed Mabry, Mexico Lindo, New York Jewelry and Watches, Olive Garden, Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, Spartanburg Water System, Steak Out, The Creek Golf Club, The Great Escape, The Palmetto Bank, This N That, Thomas and Son Tuxedos/Dry Cleaning, Travis Bell Photography, Piedmont Natural Gas, U.S. Corrugated Inc., Vic Bailey Automotive Superstore, Wal-Mart, WestGate Mall and Wild Wing Café.

“I appreciate the community’s willingness to support such a worthy cause,” Gowdy said. “Police officers and their families richly deserve a night of rest and relaxation for the many sacrifices they make to keep Spartanburg County safe.”