Sgt. Chad Richardson (at right in photo) of the Greer Police Department was recognized Oct. 18 as one of six finalists for the 2011 Solicitor’s Award for Spartanburg County Law Enforcement Excellence.

Spartanburg Public Safety Department investigator John Burgess won this year’s award. All candidates were honored at the law enforcement appreciation dinner in Spartanburg.

The other finalists were Dana Reaves of the Sheriff’s Office, Josh Seibel of the Highway Patrol, Daniel Mathis of the Duncan Police Department and Keith Soules of the Spartanburg Public Safety Department.

Burgess was cited for his handling identity fraud cases, financial fraud cases and his willingness to help his peers. The veteran investigator has participated in successful multi-agency investigations with SLED, the US Postal Inspector and the US Secret Service in recent years.

Greer Police Chief Dan Reynolds nominated Richardson for the award. Richardson leads the department’s Community Outreach Team and is the pivotal officer for the department’s interaction with the community.

Reynolds, in his letter of recommendation, wrote: “(Richardson) is out in the community nights and weekends helping neighborhoods establish Watch Groups; attending community meetings; and representing the department in special events. He works closely with the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses providing information on Environment Design and crime reduction in businesses.”

Reynolds also praised Richardson for “working with owners of rental houses, assisting them with identifying renters that are creating problems in neighborhoods and working with the owners to improve their rental for the betterment of the entire community.”

Reynolds said an important element is citizens contacting (Richardson) with tips on persons committing crimes in their neighborhoods.

Richardson is also a member of the department’s Emergency Response Team and assists with the Cops for Tops program. He is working on his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

A committee of police officers from city, county and state agencies nominated and named the Spartanburg winner.

Story and photo courtesy Jim Fair, GreerToday.com