Three Winners, 11 Statewide Finalists Recognized at third annual Governor‘s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Ceremony

For Immediate Release 
May 21, 2025 
Contact: Kyle McGahee, Office of Public Affairs, 803-896-8747

Media:  Photos from the ceremony will be posted to the SC Department of Public Safety’s online photo album. Please continue to check for updates. 

COLUMBIA — The third annual Governor’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Ceremony was held today in Columbia, where several law enforcement professionals from across the state were recognized by Governor Henry McMaster for their exceptional service and professionalism to the state of South Carolina. 

Eleven finalists were selected from the nominations submitted by various state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies. One winner from each of the three categories was named during the ceremony. Each winner will receive $10,000 as part of the Governor’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award program.

“We had the distinct privilege today to recognize several exceptional men and women of South Carolina’s law enforcement community,” Governor Henry McMaster said. “These officers represent the best of our state, and I am inspired by their courage, professionalism, and sense of duty. The people of South Carolina are truly blessed to have them serving and protecting each and every day.”

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety serves as the program administrator of the Governor’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award program. As outlined in Proviso 63.10, the program establishes an advisory committee with law enforcement leaders appointed by Governor McMaster. The committee reviews nominations submitted by South Carolina law enforcement associations and agencies, then votes for the overall winner of each category. Each winner is chosen with respect to their professionalism, dedication to duty, community service, valor, and innovation in the law enforcement profession.

“Since the launch of the Governor’s Officer of the Year program, our agency has been honored to collaborate with the Governor’s office in properly acknowledging these outstanding officers in South Carolina,” SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods IV said. “By recognizing these remarkable men and women for their service and accomplishments, we raise the bar for all in the law enforcement profession. I am humbled and thankful for their selfless dedication, commitment to their communities, and bravery in the face of danger.”  

The awards were presented to law enforcement professionals in three categories during the ceremony.

2024 State Law Enforcement Officer of the Year:

Lance Corporal Gene Michael Norris II
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources 

2024 County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year:

Chief Deputy Jonathan Chase Iseman
Lee County Sheriff’s Office

2024 Municipal Law Enforcement Officer of the Year:

Corporal Xavier Rodriguez
Springdale Police Department

The following is a complete list of finalists. *Indicates overall category winner

2024 State Law Enforcement Officer of the Year finalists:

Special Agent Joshua Anderson
South Carolina Department of Corrections

Lance Corporal Gene Michael Norris II*
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

Lieutenant Jamie N. Shaw
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)

Lance Corporal Chase H. Sprott
South Carolina Highway Patrol

2024 County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year finalists:

Chief Deputy Jonathan Chase Iseman*
Lee County Sheriff’s Office

Captain Annie Jackson
Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office

Lieutenant Jennifer Rumbaugh
Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office

Senior Deputy John W. Sanders
Lexington County Sheriff’s Department

2024 Municipal Law Enforcement Officer of the Year finalists:

Lieutenant Cerdetrica Furman
Sumter Police Department

Senior Patrol Officer Robert Mathewes
Mount Pleasant Police Department

Corporal Xavier Rodriguez*
Springdale Police Department

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.