Sheriff Lott, Sustainability Manager Cited for ‘Beautiful’ Contributions

COLUMBIA, SC – Richland County’s contributions to a clean, green community were recognized during the Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB) annual awards gala.

The Midlands Green Awards are nominated by residents in the Midlands to honor those who exemplify the mission of Keep the Midlands Beautiful.  Winners were selected by KMB’s Executive Committee.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and Richland County Sustainability Manager Anna Lange were among the individuals and organizations recognized at KMB’s Gala for a Greener Midlands on Friday.

Lott was named the Green Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. He was cited for establishing the Community Action Team (C.A.T.) and helping to instill community pride.  C.A.T. is a group of specialized officers who use community-oriented policing to solve law enforcement problems. In addition, the C.A.T. deputies form partnerships with other organizations to make changes in the community. KMB has a strong relationship with Richland County Sheriff deputies because Sheriff Lott knows education, litter prevention, community caretaking and graffiti abatement lead to community pride, which in turn leads to a reduction in crime.

Lange received the Green Sustainability Leadership Award.  She was cited for helping the County establish sustainability goals that are already seeing results during her three years in the position. She created a county recycling team to support recycling education and marketing in county buildings and organized Green Apple Day of Service events in 10 Richland County Schools to support beautification, gardens, rain barrels and energy reduction on campuses.  She also passed a green building policy requiring new County buildings to meet the ENERGY STAR standard for construction.