Master Deputy Larry Powers was honored and presented the "Solicitor's Award" Tuesday night at the Spartanburg County Law Enforcement Appreication dinner.
A 45 year Veteran, Powers is one of the longest serving Law Enforcement Officers for Spartanburg County.
He recieved a plaque and a prize package with a complimentary two-night stay to the Hilton Garden Inn in Spartanburg, a gift certificate to the Heirloom restaurant and gets to drive a BMW for a weekend.
Deputy Powers joined the Sheriff’s Office October 16th, 1974.
Offcial Press Release from the Spartanburg County Solicitor's Office below:
POWERS WINS SOLICITOR’S AWARD FOR SPARTANBURG COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT EXCELLENCE
One of Spartanburg County’s longest-serving law enforcement officers is the recipient of the 2019 Solicitor’s Award for Law Enforcement Excellence.
Master Deputy Larry Powers, a 45-year veteran, received the award tonight at Solicitor Barry Barnette’s Annual Spartanburg County Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner.
The prize package includes a complimentary two-night stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in Spartanburg, a $100 gift certificate to the Heirloom restaurant and a BMW to drive for a weekend.
Powers joined the patrol division of the Sheriff’s Office on Oct. 16, 1974. He achieved the rank Uniform Patrol Sergeant and Administrative Lieutenant before being named Warden of the county detention center in 1982.
Powers served as Warden for 29 years before transferring to the Investigations Division of the Sheriff’s Office and being named Court Liaison Officer.
Powers is charged with the responsibility of coordinating the judicial process between the Sheriff’s Office, the Solicitor’s Office and the local court system.
His duties include grand jury appearances, preliminary hearing staffing, and the delivery of case file information to the Solicitor’s Office.
“Larry is an exemplary deputy with awesome work ethic,” Solicitor Barnette said. “He is a great resource for prosecutors during pre-trial preparations and he has a mountain of experience to share with fellow deputies.”
One of Powers’ most visible roles in the court system is the handling of preliminary hearings for the Sheriff’s Office.
He spends countless hours testifying in a multitude of different cases that he had no part in making. The service allows his co-workers to remain in service on the street and out of the courtroom until trial.
Powers communicates the results of the preliminary hearings to the investigating deputies and the supervisors.
He shares detail about how the case was attacked in court with hopes of helping the pending case at upcoming court appearances or future investigations.
The veteran deputy was also cited for his willingness to volunteer for special duty assignments like stakeouts and extra patrols.
A committee of police officers from city, county and state agencies nominated and named Powers the winner of the award.
The finalists for the award – Ronnie Horn of the Spartanburg Police Department, James Owens of the Duncan Police Department, Trooper Ephraim J. Bailey of the Highway Patrol, Investigator Jonathan Lawson of the Coroner’s Office and Trevor Sherbert of the USC Upstate Police Department – were also recognized at the dinner.
Barnette presented another award of note.
Sgt. Nancy Vinson of the Sheriff’s Office received the Bill Barnet Service Above Self Award. Vinson, supervisor of the county’s home detention program, heads a team that uses electronic monitoring to monitor accused criminals as part of their bond.
Generous donations by more than 40 community leaders helped make the law enforcement dinner a success.
“I appreciate the community support for such a worthy cause,” Barnette said. “This group deserves a night of rest and relaxation for their continued efforts to keep us safe.”
