Columbia, S.C. — On January 16, 2019, from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. in the LRADAC Education Center, the Midlands Alcohol Enforcement Team (AET) and the Law Enforcement Advisory Council (LEAC) hosted an event to recognize five local law enforcement officers for their outstanding work in the prevention of alcohol misuse.
Midlands AET Coordinator Nicole King, along with LRADAC President and CEO Gayle Aycock, presented the following awards:
Appreciation Award (for contribution to the AET and the work of prevention in the Midlands):
- Benjamin Ross, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
Dedication to Prevention Awards (for a law enforcement officer committed to the work of AET, service on the AET for over 5 years including the Steering Committee and dedicated to prevention and reducing underage alcohol use and other substance use):
- Corporal Paul Walker, Lexington Police Department
- Detective Steve Gamble, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department
- Corporal Nick Peter, University of South Carolina Department of Law Enforcement and Safety
Special Award of Recognition (for a law enforcement officer who has been innovative and creative in their approach to AET initiatives over the past year)
- Major Melvin Brock, McCormick County Sheriff’s Department
Kassy Alia Ray, CEO and Founder of Serve and Connect and the event’s keynote speaker, emphasized the importance of law enforcement and community collaboration to prevent and enforce underage alcohol use and access, as well as the misuse of alcohol among adults. “It’s important to remember that we are not alone in our passion to help those in need,” stated Ray.
Event attendees included chiefs and officers from public safety departments across the Midlands and mental health professionals and advocates from across the state.
The Midlands Alcohol Enforcement Team (AET) is a specialized group of law enforcement officers dedicated to reducing access and use of alcohol by underage persons. Learn more about the Midland’s AET by contacting Nicole King, AET Coordinator, at (803) 726-9392.
