Sheriff announces Deputy of the Year | People

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott thanked his deputies and employees for their service with the department's annual Christmas banquet Saturday night.

At the banquet, Sheriff Lott announced Deputy Reginald Grant from the uniform patrol division had been named 2012 Deputy of the Year.

The department honored Grant for his actions during a violent arrest attempt in July in which a drug suspect threatened his life.

"Deputy Grant does what every police officer does each day," said Lott. "He puts on the uniform to protect, serve and improve the quality of life for our citizens. Deputy Grant rose to the occasion and became a hero to a community and the department.  He exemplifies everything a police officer should strive to be: committed and professional."

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