OC Sheriff swears in First Two Female Reserve Officers

In a swearing in ceremony conducted in the second floor training room at the Law Enforcement Center in Walhalla last Tuesday, Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw swore in the first two female reserve officers in the history of the Sheriff’s Office. The two reserve officers, Kathy Frederick and Sonja Royal, took the oath and affirmation and then were presented with their badges. Both women attended classes at Tri-County Technical College 4 nights a week for 14 weeks in order to receive their certification. After the swearing ceremony, Kathy and Sonja received their badges. Kathy is a graduate from Seneca High School and started her law enforcement career with the Seneca Police Department. She began work at the Sheriff’s Office in October of 2007 in dispatch. After a time in the records department, she moved to her current position as Secretary of Special Operations. Sonya is a graduate of West-Oak High School and Tri-County Technical College with a degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting. She began work at the Sheriff’s Office in August of 2006 in the E-911/Communications Center. Sonja is also a Certified Training Officer in dispatch. After 240 hours of Field Officer Training, Sonja and Kathy will be required to work 20 hours a month in order to maintain their certification. “The Sheriff’s Office commends Kathy and Sonja for their work and diligence in obtaining their Reserve Officer certification,” says Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw. “Reserve Officers are an important part of the Sheriff’s Office and our law enforcement efforts. These officers provide 20 hours a month of service to the citizens of Oconee County in keeping them safe. It costs our agency around $100,000 to employ a certified officer, which includes salary, fringe benefits, vehicle and equipment plus other items whereas the cost of a reserve officer involves about $2,500 for equipment, so this is of a great benefit to our citizens not only due to cost but also having these additional officers on the road.”