Recently, Deputy Nathaniel Graham with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call. There had been a lot of break-ins and deputies had caught someone involved. He was only 12 years old. “I had the chance to sit there and talk with him,” Deputy Graham shared. “The family he…
Captain Wendall Harris’s, of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, story is one of true resilience. “I grew up in a really troubled area,” Captain Harris shared. “I saw drug dealers taking over the area. That is what real life is like for a lot of people today. Gang bangers control…
You can’t judge a book by it’s cover. That’s how the nomination for Officer Joseph Czeladko with the Columbia Police Department began. “He is the most unique person you will ever meet,” his colleague shared. “He is from New York, covered in tattoos, and sounds like Batman when he talks….
It’s the little things that sometimes make the biggest difference. That is something Deputy Dave Smith with the Aiken County Sheriff’s Department knows first-hand. It was Christmas Day 2015. “I was relatively new on the road,” he shared. A call came in. A domestic situation. Deputy Smith responded and met…
Captain Teena Gooding For Captain Teena Gooding, becoming a police officer wasn’t a lifelong dream. “I just woke up one morning and said, ‘Hey, I want to try to be cop,’ and here I am.” She certainly is here, nearing 20 years of service. She began her journey with Cayce…
Lieutenant Robert Calby Meet Lieutenant Robert Calby of the Columbia Police Department! Lieutenant Calby has been nominated for this year’s Officer Gregory Alia Award because over the course of his 12 years with the Columbia Police Department, he has grown into an innovative, forward-thinking 21st century police officer who…
About the Officer Gregory Alia Award Serve & Connect was founded by Kassy Alia in memory of her husband, Greg Alia, who was killed in the line of duty on September 30th, 2015. This prestigious annual award is named in his honor and recognizes an outstanding officer who demonstrates a…
Knights in shining armor. When you hear this term, what image comes to mind? Do you imagine a Medieval-era hero, gallantly riding his trusty steed? What if we asked you to imagine a knight for the 21st century? Over the next several weeks, we will be sharing stories about the…
The Officer Gregory Alia award, awarded each fall at our Knight of Honor Gala, recognizes officers who have demonstrated excellence in community service. We checked in with Sgt. Lori Tumlin from the Forest Acres Police Department to see what she has been up to since she won the award in…
