“Friend of Law Enforcement” Honored
November 10, 2014
Leonard Price Family Members Help Present Annual Award
KERSHAW COUNTY, SC – The Kershaw County Sheriff’s Foundation (KCSF), along with members of Leonard Price’s family, awarded the 2014 “Leonard Price Friend of Law Enforcement Award” to law enforcement Chaplain, KJ Lewis.
“KJ Lewis has been a servant to law enforcement in Kershaw County for more than 15 years,” said Rajena Miles, Chair of the KCSF. “And as a Chaplain, Lewis often serves our officers during great times of need. ”
Chaplain Lewis founded Midlands Crisis Chaplaincy, a community supported ministry, which exclusively serves Kershaw County. He responds to traumatic incidents, like shootings and traffic fatalities, and provides immediate support to the first responders on site. He also provides one-on-one counseling for personal crises that officers may face. Chaplain Lewis does this at no cost to the officer or department.
“In Kershaw County, we have come to depend on Chaplain KJ Lewis, “ said Kershaw County Sheriff Jim Matthews. “Our jobs are becoming increasingly more demanding and Chaplain Lewis is always available – day or night – to help.”
Pastor Todd Horton of Springvale Baptist Church nominated Chaplain Lewis. “I met Chaplain Lewis while I was serving as a volunteer firefighter for the Pine Grove Fire Department. After a heart-wrenching call where a child died in a motor vehicle accident, Chaplain Lewis provided Critical Incident Stress Debriefing support that was a tremendous help to me and our department.”
Chaplain Lewis has a unique perspective on helping law enforcement. He is a former Columbia, SC police officer who now resides in Lugoff. Midlands Crisis Chaplaincy is a non-profit ministry. Chaplain Lewis raises support for a modest salary. He personally pays all ministry expenses.
The KCSF annual Friend of Law Enforcement Award is named after the late Leonard L. Price, who was a resident of the North Central area of Kershaw County. Price invested heavily in supporting law enforcement and education throughout South Carolina.
“Our county lost a true community champion when Leonard Price died,” said Sheriff Jim Matthews. “I’m thankful Mr. Price’s daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Cab Stitt, could join us today to present this award.
The Kershaw County Sheriff’s Foundation is a 501(c) 3 charitable organization established to support the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office. Donations are tax deductible. For more information visit the Foundation’s Facebook page or email [email protected].
