Lt. Christy Rogers – SCLEOA Officer of the Year

Lt. Christy Rogers – SCLEOA Officer of the Year

            At an awards ceremony Friday, November 19, 2021, in Myrtle Beach, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Christine “Christy” M. Rogers was named the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association (SCLEOA) Officer of the Year for 2021.  The award recognizes accomplishments of the recipient that improve the quality of life of the citizens of the community which she serves and acts of heroism in the line of duty.

            Lt. Rogers has been employed by the sheriff’s office for over 24 years and has worked her way through the ranks from patrol deputy to investigator and now supervises the Crime Scene and Evidence Unit, which is well suited to her educational background in science.  Four of the eight employees in the Crime Scene and Evidence Unit, including Lt. Rogers, are graduates of the National Forensic Academy in Knoxville, Tennessee. 

            Sheriff Barry Faile said, “Lt. Rogers demands the very best from her personnel and from other officers who are necessarily present at crime scenes.  This ensures that scenes are secured and that evidence is located, documented, collected, processed, and properly stored.  She regularly trains officers outside her unit on the collection and preservation of evidence.  Through her tutelage Lt. Rogers’ personnel have become very effective witnesses in courtroom proceedings, and their clear and concise explanation of evidence issues leads to convictions.’

            Solicitor Randy Newman echoed Sheriff Faile’s comments:  “The Crime Scene and Evidence Division of the sheriff’s office is as good as any in this state, and I attribute that to the knowledge and leadership of Lt. Rogers.  She and her personnel are great witnesses and convey their knowledge of their specialty and the strength of the evidence in a very convincing manner.”

            During a recent critical incident when Lt. Rogers had already gotten off duty, she was one of the first of many officers to arrive on scene and immediately asked the incident commander, “Where do you need me and what do you want me to do?”  She remained on scene for hours and ensured that the scene was rendered safe and made secure for investigators from another agency to process.  Actions like this on the part of Lt. Rogers are not isolated.  She is dedicated and thorough and will remain until the job is done.

            “I am extremely proud of Christy and the contributions she has made to this agency for many years,” said Sheriff Faile.  “With her education, knowledge, and experience she could have left here long ago, but her dedication to this agency and the citizens of this county has kept her here.  Every law enforcement agency head would be very fortunate to have employees like Christy in leadership positions.”