Media: Photos from the ceremony have been posted to the SC Department of Public Safety’s Flickr account and SCDPS Facebook page.
COLUMBIA — The South Carolina Bureau of Protective Services (BPS) announced its 2022 Officer of the Year during a ceremony at the South Carolina State House on Monday, June 5, 2022. This year’s overall winner for Officer of the Year was Officer Roger K. Binnicker! Officer Binnicker was nominated for his great work ethic and attitude; his well-rounded skillset, serving on the BPS Bike Patrol, Drone, and Technical Security Units; and for his volunteer work, participating and representing BPS in many of the law enforcement community events each year.
A division of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, the Bureau of Protective Services is primarily responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of the Governor and the First Family, as well as the safety and security of the Governor’s Mansion and the State Capitol Complex. BPS includes four divisions of service: Governor's Mansion, State House, Judicial Division, and State Agency Support.
“We are proud to recognize these outstanding BPS officers for their fine work and service to South Carolina,” said SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods, IV. “Their dedication and continued vigilance exemplify the division’s mission to ensure the safety of employees and the more than 200,000 people who visit the State House Complex.”
Chief Matthew P. Calhoun, commander of the Bureau of Protective Services, recognized the award winners and nominees for their exceptional work during 2022 during the ceremony at the State House.
“I call myself fortunate to work alongside these officers, who are so committed to service and ensuring the safety of others,” said Chief Calhoun. “It is a privilege to be a part of this ceremony to thank those who have consistently performed above expectations and recognize their hard work publicly.”
During the closing of the ceremony, Chief Calhoun presented a Meritorious Promotion to Sergeant Kevin D. Singleton, whose hard work as a Corporal helped to expand training operations, which led to the creation of a dedicated organizational unit for training, and ensure that the BPS division is fully staffed with well-prepared officers.
2022 Bureau of Protective Services Officer of the Year
Officer Roger K. Binnicker
State House Division
2022 Chief’s Award Recipient*
Officer Connor W. Taylor
Judicial Division
Meritorious Promotion Recipient
Sergeant Kevin D. Singleton
BPS Training Division
Monday’s event also marked a momentous occasion as BPS enters its 30th year of service to the state of South Carolina. To honor those who have served before him, Chief Calhoun (pictured below left) invited the former commanders of BPS to participate in the celebration. Four of the five former commanders were able to attend Monday’s event.
L to R: Chief Matthew P. Calhoun (current BPS Chief of Police), John Hancock (BPS Chief of Police, 2017-2020), Ronald Sims (First BPS Chief of Police, 1994-1999), Clayton Spradley (BPS Chief 1999-2002), and Chief Zack Wise (Longest serving Chief of Police, 2007-2017). Not pictured: Raymond Richburg (BPS Chief of Police, 2002-2007).
*2022 Chief’s Award:
The annual Chief’s Award recognizes an individual for outstanding leadership, service and professionalism. This award is given to an individual who has not only demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication to their work but also to their colleagues and the BPS mission.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors.