FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2002
CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8755

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety today presented Cpl. John Hancock with the Bureau of Protective Services Officer of the Year award at the annual Employee Recognition Ceremony.

Hancock has been with the Bureau of Protective Services since 1996. He formerly worked with the Department of Health and Environmental Control Public Safety and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office. He currently serves as the supervisor of the BPS State Agency Support Division. He coordinates law enforcement functions for five local DHEC facilities as well as the Criminal Justice Academy, the Labor, Licensing and Regulation facility and the Budget and Conrol Board’s Office of Information Resources facility.

"Cpl. Hancock has repeatedly volunteered for difficult assignments without complaint or hesitation," said BPS Chief Clayton Spradley. "He has unselfishly made himself available to our officers and their families during times of crisis and personal tragedies serving as BPS’ volunteer chaplain."

Hancock is a native of Fort Lawn currently residing in Blythewood. He is a graduate of Wofford College and a member of Christ Center Church in Columbia.

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SI/43/2002

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