Laurens Police Department Honored at Statewide DUI Enforcement Ceremony, Wins New Patrol Vehicle

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety held its annual DUI Enforcement Recognition and Target Zero Challenge ceremony last Thursday in Columbia, highlighting the dedicated efforts of law enforcement personnel and agencies across the state in combating impaired driving.

The event featured special remarks by NASCAR driver Ross Chastain and recognized officers and agencies for their excellence in DUI enforcement throughout the year. Awards were presented in multiple categories, honoring those who have made significant contributions to improving road safety.

Among the notable recognitions, the Laurens Police Department received a prestigious award for their participation in the 2023 Target Zero Challenge. As part of their commendable efforts, the department was awarded a 2023 Dodge Durango police interceptor, which will be utilized for future DUI enforcement in the Laurens community.

Chief Heath Copeland of the Laurens Police Department expressed his pride in the department’s achievement and emphasized the importance of continued vigilance in DUI enforcement. “Receiving this award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our officers. We are committed to keeping our roads safe and will continue to prioritize DUI enforcement in our community,” said Chief Copeland.

The ceremony also highlighted individual officers and other agencies for their outstanding contributions:

• South Carolina Highway Patrol Troop of the Year: SCHP Troop 4 (Cherokee, Chester, Chesterfield, Fairfield, Lancaster, Union, and York counties)
• State Transport Police Region of the Year: STP Region 7 DRIVE Team
• South Carolina Law Enforcement Network of the Year: 9th Circuit (Berkeley and Charleston Counties)
• Agency of the Year:
  • 1-10 officers: Atlantic Beach Police Department
  • 11-25 officers: Tega Cay Police Department
  • 26-50 officers: Clemson University Police Department
  • 51-100 officers: North Augusta Department of Public Safety
  • 101 or more officers: Mount Pleasant Police Department
• Officer of the Year:
  • 1-10 officers: Sergeant Phillip Torrey, Wellford City Police Department
  • 11-25 officers: Sergeant Joshua Bowling, Tega Cay Police Department
  • 26-50 officers: Corporal Jessica Dellinger, Hartsville Police Department
  • 51-100 officers: Public Safety Officer Doug Ruben, North Augusta Department of Public Safety
  • 101 or more officers: Officer Zachariah Azari, Charleston Police Department
• Rookie of the Year: Patrolman First Class Preston Barrett, Fort Mill Police Department
• South Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper of the Year: Senior Trooper Trent Colley, Troop 4, Post A

The Laurens Police Department’s recognition at this ceremony underscores their commitment to road safety and their proactive approach to DUI enforcement. As they continue to lead by example, the community can look forward to safer roads and a continued focus on reducing impaired driving incidents.