2026 Pickens County Municipal Association award winners announced
November 6, 2026
Pickens County’s First Responders of the Year were honored Thursday night at the Pickens County Municipal Association banquet, sponsored by Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative.
Police officers, firefighters and EMS professionals, each chosen by their own department, gathered for dinner at Founders Hall on the campus of Southern Wesleyan University.
Pickens County Municipal Association President and City of Clemson Mayor Robert Halfacre emceed the event. South Carolina State Senators Thomas Alexander and Rex Rice delivered brief remarks before the award presentation.
“Tonight is one of the most special nights of the year, where we pause to recognize the individuals who represent the best of Pickens County,” Halfacre said. “Their willingness to rush toward danger, day or night, is the definition of courage.”
“For over 40 years, Blue Ridge has considered it an honor to recognize these men and women for their daily acts of courage and service,” added Jim Lovinggood, Blue Ridge President and CEO. “They show up when our neighbors need them most, often without anyone watching. This is our chance to say thank you.”
A photo gallery from the event can be found here. Please credit Christy Tripp Photography.
2026 WINNERS
Police
• Central: Officer Brandon Couch
• Clemson: Officer Isaac Salter and Telecommunicator Katy Sprenee
• Clemson University: Officer Andy Queen and Telecommunicator Jennifer Hood
• Crimestoppers: Officer Brandon Faris
• Easley: Officer Melissa Yates and Telecommunicator Nicole Powers
• Liberty: Officer Benjamin Perry
• Norris: Officer Brandon Faris
• Pickens County: Telecommunicator Lisa Ellison
• Pickens County Sheriff: Brenden Carmichael
• South Carolina Highway Patrol: Trooper Michael Laginestra
EMS
• Pickens County: EMT Jacob Smith and Paramedic Laken Pilgrim
Fire
• Central: Firefighter Joseph Seigle
• Clemson University: Firefighter Tanner Fitzwater
• Easley: Firefighter Thomas Drayton
• Pickens: Firefighter Scott Reece
• Norris: Firefighter Anthony Crowe
• Crosswell: Firefighter Patrick Dales
• Dacusville: Firefighter Tim Landers
• Holly Springs: Firefighter Cody Collopy
• Liberty: Firefighter Joe Seigle and Volunteer Firefighter Josh Browning
• Pickens Rural Fire: Firefighter Ethan Lee
• Pumpkintown: Firefighter Mac McMakin
• Shady Grove: Firefighter David Greene
• Six Mile/Keowee Springs: Firefighter Michael Barrett
• Vineyards: Firefighter Ed Tibbs
About Blue Ridge Electric Co-op
For 86 years, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative has powered rural communities through quality service and reliability. Blue Ridge serves over 75,000 meters and maintains 7,500 miles of power lines. The co-op employs locals who support the greater community through volunteerism and philanthropy. Blue Ridge provides power to communities in Anderson, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens and Spartanburg counties. The co-op is committed to its mission of “service second only to safety.” For more information about Blue Ridge, visit BlueRidge.coop.
