Every year, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Foundation recognizes Lexington County Sheriff’s Department employees who go above and beyond in their roles.These awards highlight the people whose dedication, leadership and professionalism make a real difference across the agency.

The 2025 recipients represent different parts of the department, but they share a common purpose: serving the people of Lexington County with integrity and commitment.

Outstanding civilian – Amber Alley

Administrative Assistant Amber Alley joined the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department in July 2025 and quickly became an important part of the South Region team.

After completing her training, Amber began improving how the office organizes and tracks key information. She created new digital calendars to help deputies keep track of schedules and important dates. She also developed systems to track case assignments and closures, giving supervisors a clearer view of investigative progress.  

Amber helped digitize older case files, freeing up valuable storage space and created a process to collect case files from deputies and upload them into the records management system.

Her attention to detail and willingness to improve systems have made daily operations smoother for deputies and staff.

Detention deputy of the year – Twannia Price

Detention Deputy Twannia Price has earned a reputation for strong leadership and dependability inside the detention center.

She manages her unit with confidence and maintains order while clearly communicating expectations to the inmates under her supervision. 

Supervisors say she consistently supports other deputies and often steps in to help without being asked.

Her professionalism and teamwork have made her a role model for newer deputies entering the detention center.

For her commitment to maintaining a safe and professional environment, Twannia Price has been named the 2025 Detention Deputy of the Year.

Brian S. Mills Rookie of the Year – Ian Cox

Detention Deputy Ian Cox joined the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department in February 2025 and quickly stood out. He completed field training with an exceptional evaluation and a perfect test score.  

During his first year, Cox responded to a critical incident inside the detention center and received a Special Achievement Award for his actions.

Later, he graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy’s Basic Detention Course with the highest GPA in his class, earning the Bert Friday Award.

Supervisors frequently assign him to housing areas normally handled by more experienced deputies due to his calm demeanor and attention to detail.

For his outstanding first year of service, Ian Cox has been named the Brian S. Mills Rookie of the Year.

Patrol deputy of the year – Reggie Ward

Reggie Ward has served the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department since 1982.

Today he works as the Telephone Reporting Unit (TRU) Deputy, often becoming the first deputy citizens interact with when they come to the department for help. 

In 2025 alone, Ward handled an impressive workload:

• 1,407 calls for service
• 715 reports completed
• 46 arrests
• 55 arrest warrants served
• 756 lobby calls for assistance 

His experience allows him to resolve many situations independently, helping reduce the workload on patrol deputies.

His dedication and professionalism have made him a trusted and respected member of the department.

Recognizing service

These award recipients, along with the other honorees recognized at this year’s banquet, represent the commitment and professionalism found throughout the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.

From patrol deputies to detention staff to civilian support roles, each person plays an important part in keeping the community safe. Their work reflects the values of the department and the mission of serving Lexington County with integrity and dedication.

If you are passionate about making a positive impact, you can find out more and apply today to join LCSD. We would love to hear from you.

When many people think of law enforcement, they picture patrol cars and flashing lights. What they might not see is the leadership inside the walls of the detention center. The steady voice during conflict. The mentor guiding a new detention deputy. The administrator ensuring fairness behind the scenes.

This International Women’s Day, we are proud to spotlight three leaders whose work inside the Lexington County Detention Center reflects professionalism, compassion and resilience in action.

Together, they represent a powerful truth: corrections is not defined by physical strength. It is defined by character, communication and commitment.

Leadership rooted in growth and communication

Lt. Monserat Lawal-Agoro’s journey into corrections began with practicality. As a young mother seeking job security, benefits and stability, she entered the field with responsibility in mind. What she discovered was purpose.

Now a lieutenant with eight years at the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and 17 years in detention overall, she oversees the safety, custody and care of inmates while developing and training the deputies under her command.

“It’s not about physical strength,” she explains. “It’s about communication. Be professional. Be consistent. Be fair.”

Her leadership philosophy centers on growth. She emphasizes training, mentorship and remaining open to learning, regardless of rank.

“I might be a lieutenant, but I still learn from the newer ones,” she says. “Never stop learning. Be open to criticism.”

Through her years of service, she has seen the realities many individuals face, from mental health challenges to economic hardship. Rather than harden her perspective, the experience deepened her empathy.

“Corrections shaped me as a mother, a wife and a person,” she says. “You see what society is going through every day.”

Her advice to women considering law enforcement is simple: leadership already lives within you. The ability to guide, communicate and develop others is an advantage in this profession.

Professionalism inspired by legacy

For Sgt. Ormica Thomas, corrections is both professional and personal.

Inspired by her mother’s 12 years as a jailer, Thomas grew up seeing the meaningful impact detention deputies can have. That example shaped her decision to pursue a career in law enforcement.

She began as a front-line detention deputy and quickly developed a reputation for steady leadership and professionalism. Her dedication led her to become a field training officer, mentoring new detention deputies as they entered the profession. In 2018, she earned the distinction of master detention deputy. Three years later, she was promoted to sergeant.

Thomas says the most rewarding part of her job is the opportunity to connect with people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Whether supervising staff or interacting with inmates, she approaches each day with accountability, respect and service at the forefront.

She credits the department’s supportive, family-oriented culture for helping her grow as a leader and professional, fostering resilience and teamwork along the way.

Ensuring fairness and clarity behind the scenes

Lt. Paula Hare has served with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department since 2004, building a career defined by dedication and precision.

As the department’s inmate records manager, she ensures critical information remains accurate and up to date, from classification details to court documentation. In her role as inmate grievance coordinator, she helps individuals who feel overwhelmed by the legal process navigate it with clarity and understanding.

“I’m not here to judge them, nor am I here to be their jury,” Hare explains. “I’m here to assist them with getting to court and understanding their charges.”

Her career began as a detention deputy before advancing to administrative sergeant and eventually administrative lieutenant. As a certified corrections supervisor, she blends operational experience with strong administrative leadership that benefits the entire team.

Her commitment to service extends beyond formal responsibilities. Whether helping a colleague through a personal challenge or encouraging collaboration across the department, Hare believes in leading by example. She describes the department’s culture as family-like, a place where support and professionalism go hand in hand.

A celebration of leadership

Inside the detention center, leadership takes many forms. It is mentorship. It is accountability. It is compassion balanced with structure.

These three women demonstrate the detention profession is not about labels. It is about service.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Lt. Lawal-Agoro, Sgt. Thomas and Lt. Hare for the impact they make each day. Their leadership strengthens the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and the community it serves.To women considering a career that allows you to make a difference as you serve your community, your leadership has a place here. Explore our current opportunities and discover how you can make a meaningful difference.