South Carolina Bureau of Protective Services Recognizes Officers at 2024 BPS Awards Ceremony

For Immediate Release 
June 3, 2025 
Contact: Heather Biance, Office of Public Affairs, 803-896-4691

Media: Photos from the ceremony are available SC Department of Public Safety’s online photo album and SCDPS Facebook page.

COLUMBIA — The South Carolina Bureau of Protective Services (BPS), a division of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, held an awards ceremony on Monday, June 2, 2025, during which the division recognized its Officer of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Supervisor of the Year for 2024.

During the ceremony at the State House, BPS named Master Officer Michael Ford the 2024 BPS Officer of the Year! Master Officer Ford was nominated for his exemplary work for the division as a Supply-Logistics Officer. In his official duties, he manages an inventory of more than $3 million in equipment and provides logistical support during large-scale events at the State House. His work has significantly improved the efficiency and management of equipment needed for all BPS employees. Additionally, he is a mentor to his fellow officers, sharing his expertise and providing invaluable insight to fellow officers for complex criminal investigations, and consistently supports specialized initiatives within the division. 

“I am honored to be a part of this ceremony, where we celebrate the accomplishments of truly outstanding men and women,” said SCDPS Deputy Director Michael Oliver. “Each officer recognized here has an incredible respect for the profession and takes immense pride in their jobs. And even though they do not perform their duties for the praise, they are very deserving of this honor.”

Chief Matthew Calhoun, Commander of the Bureau of Protective Services, named the award winners and recognized the nominees for their exceptional work in 2024 during Monday evening’s ceremony. 

“For this year’s ceremony, we decided not only to recognize an Officer of the Year, but also a Supervisor of the Year and a Rookie of the Year, enabling us the ability to acknowledge the exceptional work of officers across a variety of roles and experience levels and highlight their distinct contributions. Each winner and nominee reflects the dedication to service and professionalism that define what it means to be a Bureau of Protective Services officer. I could not be more proud of these individuals.”

A division of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, the Bureau of Protective Services is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of all state employees, visitors, and dignitaries who come to the State House and other Capitol facilities each year. In addition, BPS officers are responsible for the security of the Governor’s mansion. 

2024 Bureau of Protective Services Officer of the Year: 

Master Officer Michael Ford 
BPS Headquarters

The following is a list of nominees for the 2024 BPS Officer of the Year:
*indicates overall winner

Lance Corporal Jacob Allen, Training Unit

Master Officer Ivan Birochak, K-9 Unit

Master Officer Michael Ford,* BPS Headquarters

Corporal Aaron Salter, State House Division

 Special awards and recognitions during the event included: 

Rookie of the Year Award: This award is given to a BPS officer who has less than three years of Certified Law Enforcement Service Time, has performed well above expectations, actively participates in outreach programs, works well with colleagues, takes initiative, and exhibits leadership qualities despite being a new officer.

 2024 Bureau of Protective Services Rookie of the Year: 

Master Officer Michael Ford
BPS Headquarters

 The following is a list of nominees for the 2024 BPS Officer of the Year:
*indicates overall winner

Lance Corporal Jacob Allen, Training Unit

Master Officer Ivan Birochak, K-9 Unit

Master Officer Michael Ford,* BPS Headquarters

Corporal Aaron Salter, State House Division

Supervisor of the Year Award: This award is given to a BPS supervisor who demonstrated strong leadership skills, leads by example, actively mentors and develops officers, and has received positive feedback from officers, command staff, or community members.

2024 Bureau of Protective Services Supervisor of the Year:

Sergeant Adam Wassmuth 
State House Division

The following is a list of nominees for the 2024 BPS Supervisor of the Year:
*indicates overall winner

Corporal Robert Jackson, State House Division 

Lieutenant Luis Morales, BPS Headquarters

Sergeant Adam Wassmuth,* State House Division

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.