FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 19, 2001

CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8755

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety today named Bruce Hancock as the Criminal Justice Academy Instructor of the Year at the agency’s annual Employee Recognition Ceremony.

Hancock, a law enforcement veteran with more than 20 years of service, has been with CJA since 1987. Prior to joining the instructional staff at CJA, he served as an officer with the Columbia Police Department. He is currently the Unit Chief of the Physical Training Unit at CJA, which provides basic and advanced training for all law enforcement officers in South Carolina. Hancock has worked on numerous physical fitness programs and defensive tactics programs both within DPS and with outside law enforcement agencies and has become recognized as a state expert in both fields.

"Mr. Hancock has tirelessly given the hours necessary to meet both the basic and advanced and specialized law enforcement training needs," said DPS Director B. Boykin Rose. "With his dependability and loyalty to DPS, he has always quietly served as a role model for his fellow instructors."

Hancock is a Columbia native and is a member of Shandon Baptist Church. He currently holds a Black Belt rating from the American Freestyle Karate Association.

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JB/6/2001

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