Sumter County Council Tuesday evening recognized the American Legion Public Safety Award winners, who were presented with gifts from Council Chairman James T. McCain Jr. on behalf of all council members.
McCain thanked Jackie Hughes from the American Legion Post 15 before Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Hampton Gardner spoke about Sgt. James “J.J.” Ardis.
“He’s been an outstanding deputy since he joined the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office,” Gardner said. “From day one, he has tried to find ways to improve himself, both as an individual and as a deputy.”
Ardis shows a positive attitude, maintains a professional appearance and sets a solid example for those who work with him and for him. Ardis took it upon himself to spearhead the reserve deputy program, which has grown in participation, he said.
Ardis is a regional supervisor in the Patrol Division who always tells deputies: don’t do as I say but as I demonstrate to you and holds his subordinates to a high standard, he said. Ardis continually works to improve operations of the Sheriff’s Office and is certified as a driving instructor, firearms instructor, speed measuring device instructor and as a standard field sobriety test instructor. He’s also a certified pilot and ensures new deputies are trained to the same high standards, he said.
Two years ago Ardis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from USC and is on track to earn a Master’s degree in Sociology from Arizona State University by this spring, he said.
“And he strongly believes that education is the key to his accomplishments,” he said.
As an example of how Ardis goes above and beyond the call of duty, he encountered two homeless individuals last year lurking outside a business. After realizing their situation, he contacted DSS and ensured the individuals were given food and shelter. For those reasons, Ardis was chosen as the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Deputy of the Year and as American Legion Post 15’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, he said. Ardis was unable to attend as he has a sick child, Gardner said.
SUMTER POLICE DEPARTMENT
Sumter Police Chief Russell Roark spoke about Officer 1st Class Cedric Kirkman, who has adopted the Sumter Police Department’s approach toward quality of life in the community and strongly believes in it. Roark said the department is only as successful as the relationships it builds in the community.
“And Cedric has really embraced that,” he said.
Kirkman has been heavily involved with Youth Corps, which saw 44 students taking part in the summer program last year that builds soft skills, offers job training and mentoring, he said. There can be times when police officers are attached to negative connotations, he said, particularly if DSS is involved and a child associates an officer with removal from a home.
“Cedric has got a drive and a passion for children,” he said, and the unique ability to address issues and be a positive role model.
Kirkman spends time coaching special needs children, is involved with the schools, and was recently promoted to the Investigative Division so he can be a juvenile officer and serve the needs of children and citizens in the city, he said.
“So I give you a fine, outstanding example of a public servant, a police officer and a caring individual with Cedric,” he said.
Chairman McCain said he concurs with Roark and has known the Kirkman family for many years.
SUMTER-LEE REGIONAL DETENTION CENTER
Maj. Daryl McGhaney introduced Lance Cpl. Crystal Isaac of the Sumter County Detention Center Division.
Isaac started in January 2012 and wanted to follow in the footsteps of her mother, with whom he worked alongside at the outset of his career.
“Her mother was an outstanding officer. She was a go getter, she was firm, fair and consistent and didn’t play no games,” he said. “She took her job seriously. I say that to say – I truly understand and see the exact same thing in Lance Corporal Crystal Isaac.”
Isaac was promoted in April 2016, has worked various shifts, and learns quickly from various supervisors about how to better carry out her assignment. She is National Crime Information Center certified, is an outstanding booking officer and shares her skills to help others, he said. Isaac has worked every area of the detention center and demonstrated her willingness to perform any task under pressure. She’s willing to work in stressful situations and isn’t afraid to make a decision and stand firmly behind it, he said.
“She is a team player and encourages others on the importance of working together,” he said.
Her positive attributes include intelligence, diligence, good judgment and plenty of focus, he said, as she works to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from St. Leo’s University so she can one day become a deputy.
SUMTER COUNTY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Sumter County Emergency Medical Services Chief Bobby Hingst spoke about Lance Cpl. Victoria Matthews.
After thanking Council for recognizing everyone, he said MatthewS has been part of Sumter County EMS for five years. She has grown in her experience level and pursued further education and certifications, he said. Last year while working full-time – and as a mother of two with a husband in the same profession – she was able to achieve the rank of Advanced EMT, he said. She’s never lost focus, and has maintained her dedication to the department. She attends public outreach events, mentors others and tries to help them progress and further their knowledge. She is seeking to achieve the rank of Advanced Paramedic, he said, which shows her commitment.
On average, each ambulance responds to anywhere from 12 to 20 calls in a 24-hour shift, he said.
“So they work very hard. It doesn’t give them much downtime and they have to make critical decisions that definitely impact folks’ lives,” he said. “She has demonstrated the ability to do that very well and without error.”
Matthew is consistent, a fine asset to EMS, and well-liked by her co-workers, he said, as he thanked the American Legion Post 15 for honoring those first responders who work long hours in treacherous conditions.
SUMTER FIRE DEPARTMENT
Sumter Fire Department Division Chief Steve Dara introduced Master Firefighter Jason Capell.
“He is an exemplary employee and he makes our 24-hour shifts better for citizens of Sumter, in the city and the county,” he said.
When Capell first joined the Sumter Fire Department a few years back, he walked in with a smile and was happy to be part of the team, he said.
Capell is known for a high standard of performance, cares for his fellow team members and treats all with respect and dignity. Capell has a passion for firefighting, was promoted last year, and has proven to be a wonderful role model for new employees, he said. Capell exhibits “a wonderful moral compass,” with compassion, energy and a smile. He’s courteous to others and highly respected by his peers, he said.
Not only does he have a “win-win philosophy,” but he is efficient and thorough in his work with a high ethical standard, he said, and serves as a youth pastor who works with troubled teens to lead them to the right path to hear God’s inspirational words.
Capell was recently honored by the Evening Pilot Club and was the Sumter Fire Department’s first Employee of the Quarter, he said.
“He’s just a wonderful individual overall,” Dara said.