September 2020 Awards and Commendations 

Enforcement Employee of the Month:  Detective Kevin Casey

Detective Casey was selected as the Employee of the Month for September based upon his extreme acts of kindness.  In early September, Detective Casey responded to a larceny that occurred at the Lake Wylie Library.  Thieves had stolen a carved wooden bear that had been on display outside the library for a number of years.  Although Detective Casey was not able to recover the statue, he took it upon himself to make a new statue for the library to replace the one that had been stolen.  A photograph of Corporal Casey’s work is included below. 

On another occasion, Detective Casey responded to a call about a suspicious person and vehicle that had been at a gas station for several hours.  When speaking with the individual, Detective Casey learned that the man had run out of gas, but did not have any money to buy gas.  The man explained that he had been at the gas station for so long because he was embarrassed to ask anyone for money.  Wanting to help the stranded motorist, Detective Casey paid for the man’s gas out of his own pocket. 

Interactions like these are what reinforce the community’s trust in our agency and deputies.  Detective Casey’s actions are that of a true public servant and he is to be commended. 

Commendations:

Deputy Andrew Gallant - Deputy Gallant is to be commended for his vigilance and dedication to keeping the law  public safe.  While traveling to MJC to conduct a training for the York County Detention Center on his day off, Deputy Gallant observed a vehicle traveling in excess of 90mph on I-77.  Recognizing the danger posed by the  vehicle, Deputy Gallant conducted a traffic stop, which resulted in several serious drug and firearm charges, including PWID marijuana and PWID Xanax. Deputy Gallant is to be commended for a job well done.  

Applications Coordinator Mack Ledford - Mack is to be commended for being such a resource to the Sheriff’s Office overall, and particularly to the DNA lab.  Mack has spent considerable time becoming knowledgeable in the complex software and hardware that is specific to the lab so that he is able to quickly address issues and keep the lab functional. Mack was able to find an innovative way to arrange computers and equipment in the lab during a major upgrade to allow the lab to remain functional during the transition time.  Additionally, when the lab experienced a major issue with the CODIS server, Mack was able to quickly identify the problem and devise a solution that included steps to prevent the same issue from occurring in the future.  Mack is an asset to the Sheriff’s Office and is to be commended for his willingness to always help fellow employees.

Detention Supervisor of the Quarter – Sergeant Michael Plyer

Sergeant Michael Plyler has been the shift supervisor for A-team since earlier this year.  Battling the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the additional steps required for new protocols has been difficult for all staff.  Sergeant Plyler has shown a particular amount of grace and ability throughout an exceptionally trying time.  While being short staffed, Sergeant Plyler has been able to successfully lead his team through each shift with little incident.  Sergeant Plyler’s knowledge and continued efforts have been echoed by those under his supervision and observed by his peers.  Sergeant Plyer’s contributions to the supervision of his staff and continued orderly operation of the facility reflect great credit upon him and the York County Detention Center.  It is with great pleasure that the Commendation Committee nominates Sergeant Michael Plyler as Supervisor of the Quarter for the 3rd quarter. 

Detention Employee of the Month – Sergeant James Long

Over the past few months, there has been an immense amount of work and attention to detail that has been required to implement a new computerized Jail Management System (JMS) at the York County Detention Center.  Sergeant Long has had to input, verify, double check, and triple check, line by line; each CDR code, staff information, inmate information, build reports, etc.  He has been vital in building the JMS for many months now.  Additionally, his daily required duties have continued during this process.  There have been continual interruptions to the process.  Someone is always locked out of a computer; the kiosks or telephones have issues; clerks need corrections or assistances; a report needs to be run; someone needs information or help; a technician needs escorted, etc.  Sergeant Long was also responsible to oversee and work out details of adding equipment to our kiosk system for video visitation.  Sergeant Long put in countless hours gathering information, numbers and percentages for our PREA audit, as well as, our fiscal year end paperwork.   

Sergeant Long is a great source of information on policy, jail operation, program issues, and life in general.  He is a great go-to person when a solid, dependable answer is needed.  Before answering questions, he filters the question through policy and procedure, and most importantly, common sense. Sergeant Long’s compassion shows to Master Control officers when they are left alone in the control room. He sometimes personally relieves them for breaks.  He also fosters great relationships with our technicians that come in to service equipment, ensuring that it’s serviced in a timely manner. 

Sgt. Long is rarely out of work, taking vacation or sick time.  He is often here after 1700 and is a dedicated, valued employee and is a great asset to York County Detention Center.   

Commendations and Letters of Appreciation

Detention Officer Kiana Caldwell 

On Tuesday, August 4, Officer Caldwell, while working in a Housing Unit, overheard a conversation between inmates inquiring about an item that was purchased utilizing another inmate’s account on the kiosk.  Officer Caldwell, after hearing this conversation, continued investigating this situation and was able to find out that the inmate was indeed indigent so all the items in the inmate’s possession were considered contraband.  After searching the inmate’s property and bed area, the inmate was written up, as well as all of the commissary items that she had in her possession were confiscated.  If it weren’t for Officer Caldwell’s attention to detail and vigilance overhearing this conversation and then acting on it by completing a cell search of the inmate belongings, this event could have become much worse.  Officer Caldwell is commended for her actions on this day as well as her work ethic day in and day out at the York County Detention Center.  Officer Caldwell is more than deserving of this nomination, not only for her diligence with this situation but also her actions every day she comes into the York County Detention Center.

Master Control Specialist Stephen Williams  

Corporal Williams deserves to be recognized for all his hard work and his many areas of assistance.  One day he is in Master Control and the next he may be sent to the hospital or assigned to Rover in order to give housing unit officers a break.  Due to the shift being short, he has stepped up and assisted in many areas and has done it with a positive attitude.  He has been a great mentor for many officers on shift and is willing to teach anyone everything he knows.  He is a great leader and does his job with dignity and pride.  C-Team would like to thank Corporal Williams for everything he does.  You are highly appreciated and loved. 

Lead Booking Officer Francine Button-Weyers 

Corporal Button-Weyers deserves to be recognized for all of her hard work in the booking area.  Corporal Button-Weyers is a great trainer and is willing to stop what she is doing to lend a hand and to make sure you understand what is being done.  She has great leadership skills and has a great sense of humor to make you laugh or smile on the worst days.  She is great at what she does and she deserves to know how much she is appreciated. 

Officer Edward Santiago

Officer Santiago is an exceptional officer.  He shows up on time and gets his job done.  He runs his unit per policy and by the book.  He tries to get his team motivated to improve themselves and also be a closer-knit family. 

Officer Russell Vensk 

Since the beginning of the pandemic and the shifts not conducting roll call meetings, C-Team has not been able to have team prayers together.  Officer Vensk stepped up and has been emailing a daily prayer at the beginning of shift to those wanting it, so that they can always start the shift off with a positive mindset.  He is consistent and has not missed a day giving his shift an encouraging verse and a prayer.  C-Team wants to let him know they appreciate him and are thankful for the time he takes to prepare his encouraging message and prayer for the team.  He is a valued officer and he deserves to be recognized.  Officer Vensk, C-Team loves and appreciates you!