DUKES WINS 2008 SOLICITOR’S AWARD FOR SPARTANBURG LAW ENFORCEMENT EXCELLENCE

It is difficult to the measure success of Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Deputy Darren Dukes by the number of arrests he makes.

Dukes, a veteran patrol officer, earned the respect of his peers through his work ethic, his knowledge of the law and his team-oriented approach. Tonight, his reputation paid off with a nice compliment.

A diverse group of local police officers named Dukes the winner of the 2008 Solicitor’s Award for Spartanburg County Law Enforcement Excellence. The award was presented at Solicitor Gowdy’s annual law enforcement appreciation dinner at Cleveland Park.

“Darren is an outstanding law enforcement officer, one that others should strive to emulate,” Solicitor Trey Gowdy said. “He pays attention to detail and is well versed on how to build a strong criminal case.”

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

Dukes and Deputy Jamey Tate recently won the Sheriff’s Office Medal of Valor Award for there efforts to rescue a wheelchair bound elderly female from a house fire and subdue the intoxicated person who was suspected of starting the blaze.

Dukes began working for the Sheriff’s Office on Nov. 3, 1997 as a third-shift uniform patrol officer. After three years in the patrol division, he was promoted to investigations and assigned to a burglary task force. After three years investigating property crimes, he was assigned to violent crime caseload and he successfully worked murder, armed robbery and aggravated assault cases. He currently works as a patrol deputy in the northwest region of the county.

Prior to joining the Sheriff’s Office, Darren earned an associates degree in Criminal Justice from Spartanburg Methodist College and earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina.

Dukes was one of six local officers recognized at the dinner for their efforts. The honorees included Sgt. Tim Metz of the Sheriff’s Office, Investigator Jay Steadman of the Spartanburg Public Safety Department and Trooper Brian Bryson of the Highway Patrol. Sgt. Mark Freeman and Nancy Vinson of the county jail were cited for their efforts to coordinate the county’s home detention program.

Solicitor Gowdy also presented the Bill Barnet Service Above Self Award to Chris Pollard, deputy director of the Spartanburg Area Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission. The award recognized Pollard’s community service work on behalf of the local criminal justice system and the city’s Weed & Seed community revitalization program.

Generous donations by some community leaders helped make the dinner a success. The donor list includes American Security, Apollo’s House of Pizza, Bangkok Café, Bell Laundry & Cleaners, Billy D’s Grill, Bishop Furniture, BMW, Charlotte Bobcats, Coca-Cola of Spartanburg, Cohn’s, Costco, CWS Insurance, Custom Embroidery, Dee Tee’s Quick Stop, Domino’s Pizza, Dr. Kevin Williams, Extended Stay, Evernham-Gillette Motorsports, Fast Way, Firehouse Subs, First National Bank, 4 You of WestGate Mall, Gibbs International, Inc., Hollywood’s Productions, Marriott – Spartanburg at Renaissance Park, Mr. Sterling Anderson, Mr. Ed Mabry, Mr. David White, Esquire, Mr. Junie White, New York Jewelry Watches, Piedmont Natural Gas, Vic Bailey Automotive Superstores, Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, Spartanburg Sanitary Sewer District, Spartanburg Water System, The Beacon Drive-In, The Palmetto Bank, This N That, Thomas and Sons Formal Wear, Travis Bell Photographers, Wal-Mart – Hillcrest, WestGate Mall and WYFF television.