Taylor Wins Solicitor’s Award for Law Enforcement Excellence

Spartanburg County sheriff’s deputy Mitchell “Mitch” Taylor’s crime prevention skills far exceed his history of making arrests.

Over the course of his 21-year law enforcement career, Taylor has tirelessly worked to create a safe learning environment for local school children. His efforts include the creation of an in-service training program that is required of all bus drivers across the state along with  numerous safety initiatives in School District 4 and other local school district.

The veteran deputy’s work ethic and his success earned him the 2012 Solicitor’s Award for Spartanburg County Law Enforcement Excellence. Taylor accepted the award tonight during a law enforcement appreciation dinner at Cleveland Park.

“Mitch leads by example,” Solicitor Barry Barnette said. “He has poured his heart into the challenge of keeping our youth safe and I’m thankful he is good at what he does.

“If he is not maintaining a visible presence on a local school, he can often be found helping children through numerous church activities or his work as director of the Woodruff Youth Football League.”

Taylor’s prize package includes a weekend stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Myrtle Beach and a free BMW for a weekend. He will also have his name added to a plaque that hangs in the lobby of the Spartanburg County Solicitor’s Office.

A committee of police officers from city, county and state agencies nominated and named the winner. The finalists for the award – David Hogsed of the Sheriff’s Office, Mike Lee of the Highway Patrol, Raymond Webb of the Pacolet Police Department, Jason Tapp of the Spartanburg Public Safety Department and Chris Banks of the Spartanburg Public Safety Department were recognized at the dinner. Allen Freeman of the Sheriff’s Office received the Bill Barnet Service Above Self Award. Freeman was recognized for numerous charitable acts for the Special Olympics.

Generous donations by some community leaders helped make the law enforcement dinner a success. The donor list includes Bangkok, Beacon Drive-In, BMW Small Engine Repair, Brickhouse Pizza, Costco, Creature Comforts, Dave Edwards Toyota, Dr. Fern Powell, Dixie Tire, Donna Albert Photography, Hampton Inn & Suites, Fuddrucker’s, Gentle Dental Care\ Dr. Kevin Williams, GLT Services, Gibbs International, Hampton Inn, Jay’s Prepaid Wireless, Ingles, Millhouse Lodge, Mr. Carlos Johnson, Mr. David White, Mr. Ed Mabry, North American Rescue, O’Charley’s, Piedmont Natural Gas, Porter Chiropractic, Penske Racing, Sharp USA, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare, Spartanburg Sanitary Sewer District, Spartanburg Water System,  The Bilo Center, The Creek Golf Club, The Flounder Fish Camp, Thomas & Sons, Travis Bell Photography, White’s Pine Street Exxon, Vic Bailey Auto, Upstate Salvage and 4 You Custom Gifts and Awards.

“I appreciate the community’s willingness to support such a worthy cause,” Barnette said. “Police officers and their families richly deserve a night of rest and relaxation for the many sacrifices they make to keep us safe.”