OC Sheriff’s Office celebrates Law Enforcement Officers Appreciation Week

Last week, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office wrapped up activities in observance of Law Enforcement Officers Appreciation Week. On May 15, which was Peace Officers Memorial Day, the Annual Schuck Memorial Blood Drive 2017 was held at the Law Enforcement Center in Walhalla. According to preliminary figures, around $500 has been raised for the Schuck Memorial Scholarship fund in t-shirt sales. Also, 48 pints of blood were donated as The Blood Connection partnered with the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office in regards to the blood drive. Anyone who is interested in ordering a Schuck Memorial Blood Drive 2017 t-shirt can do so by e-mailing Lisa Willis, senior dispatcher in the E-911 Communications Center, at [email protected]. T-shirts are available for $15 each. The deadline for ordering t-shirts is May 29. On May 16, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office hosted the fourth Annual Retired Law Enforcement Officers Appreciation Luncheon, which also was held at the Law Enforcement Center. After an introduction by Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw, a prayer was offered by Chaplain Donnie Nix. After a moment of silence was held to remember those law enforcement officers who died during the past year, Chief Deputy Kevin Davis read the proclamation for Police Memorial Day that was adopted by Oconee County Council during their meeting on May 2. Sheriff Mike Crenshaw then introduced Oconee State Senator Thomas Alexander, who spoke to those who were assembled. Afterwards, Sheriff Crenshaw introduced the guest speaker for the luncheon, which was Retired Greenville County Sheriff and United States Marshal Johnny Mack Brown. During his remarks to those gathered for the luncheon, Retired Sheriff Brown talked about the history of the Sheriff’s Office and the Marshals Service and said that the act of electing a Sheriff was critical. “The Sheriff is an old, old office, one of antiquity and it is a respected office. It is an elected office and I hope it always will be. Always consider the elective office of Sheriff works for you. Always continue to elect your chief law enforcement officer. It is an important member of this community. It is an important member of the law enforcement community. It is an important member to everybody to whom he or she serves,” said Brown. The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office would also like to thank the following individuals who helped to make the Retired Officers Luncheon possible: Warren and Peggy Hooper for catering, Tom Rusk for providing the Mayberry Patrol Car, Oconee County State Senator Thomas Alexander for donating a Flag for a Door Prize, the School District of Oconee County for providing tables and chairs, and Kay Owens and Palmetto Sweets in Walhalla for providing desserts.