(Walhalla, SC)-------------------------------------The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office held a promotions ceremony on June 2nd to honor and recognize Detention Officers and an Animal Control Officer who received promotions, as well as two Sheriff’s Office deputies who received tuition reimbursements via a program from the Oconee Sheriff’s Foundation.
The following Detention Center Officer was recognized for a promotion in the Detention Center:
Master Corrections Officer Maria Melendez – Promoted to Corporal
Corrections Officer Hope Raby-Cassell – Promoted to Corporal
The following Animal Control Officer was recognized for a promotion:
Daniel Williams – Promoted to Sergeant, which is the Coordinator for the Oconee County Animal Shelter
Two deputies, Lt. Tommy Crompton and Corporal Jake Spence, each received a $1,000 tuition reimbursement check via the tuition reimbursement program. The Sheriff’s Foundation makes these reimbursements possible for employees of the Sheriff’s Office who further their education in a degree program that can be used in their careers.
The Oconee Sheriff’s Foundation is a 501© 3 organization and all donations made to the Sheriff’s Foundation are tax deductible. The Foundation is funded through private donations and does not receive any tax-payer money. The Foundation board is made up of volunteers.
“Eight years ago, I wanted to start a Sheriff’s Foundation and when citizens give to support the Foundation, the Foundation, in turn, supports the deputies and employees that work at the Sheriff’s Office,” says Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw. “One of the goals in setting up the Foundation was to provide educational opportunities for our employees. Any employee who desires to go to an accredited college or university in a degree program that they can use in their job at the Sheriff’s Office can apply through the Foundation to have a portion of their tuition costs reimbursed. Through the generosity of our donors, we are able to provide $1,000 per employee, per year, as a tuition reimbursement.”
Corporal Spence recently graduated with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice through Anderson University and Lt. Crompton is currently enrolled in the undergraduate Criminal Justice program online through Columbia College.