Bamberg County Honors Heroes in Uniform: Celebrating Correctional Officers and Law Enforcement during National Correctional Officers Week and National Police Week

Posted by 05/22/2025 Categories: Bamberg County Bamberg County Airport Bamberg County Emergency Services bamberg south carolina city of bamberg south carolina City of Denmark South Carolina community community service government HBCU litter pickup local government newsworthy office on aging Public Works sheriff department South Carolina

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

To: The News Media

From: The Office of Public Information

Date: May 19, 2024

Re: Bamberg County Honors Heroes in Uniform: Celebrating Correctional Officers and Law Enforcement during National Correctional Officers Week and National Police Week

Bamberg, South Carolina (May 2025)--In observance of National Correctional Officers Week, celebrated nationwide from May 4–10, 2025, the Bamberg County Detention Center hosted a special luncheon on Wednesday, May 7, at 1:00 PM. The event recognized the unwavering dedication and professionalism of its correctional staff. During the luncheon, three officers were honored with Letters of Commendation for their exemplary actions during a facility emergency on January 2, 2025:

Officer Christopher Gantt: Also recognized as Officer of the Year, demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership by promptly extinguishing a fire in the B Unit, evacuating inmates to the recreation yard, and providing them with jackets to ensure their comfort and safety.
Officer J'Nae Perdue: Exhibited professionalism and swift decision-making by calling for assistance, aiding in extinguishing the fire, and assisting in the safe relocation of inmates.
Officer NyKeisha Thornton: Showed outstanding teamwork by supplying jackets to evacuated inmates, ensuring their well-being during the incident.

Captain Moses Cheatham, Director of the Bamberg County Detention Center, stated, "The actions of Officers Gantt, Perdue, and Thornton during the January 2 incident exemplify the dedication and courage our staff bring to their daily roles. Their swift responses ensured the safety of both inmates and fellow officers.”

Bamberg County Chairwoman Sharon Hammond added, "Our correctional officers play a vital role in maintaining the safety and security of our community. We proudly recognize their service and commitment during National Correctional Officers Week."

National Correctional Officers Week was established in 1984 to honor the contributions of correctional officers across the United States. Bamberg County remains committed to acknowledging its correctional staff's hard work and dedication. In addition to honoring correctional officers, the Bamberg County Sheriff's Office recognized National Police Week by hosting a special breakfast. This event brought together members of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Bamberg County Detention Center, and the Sheriff's Office for a meaningful moment of fellowship and appreciation.

Sheriff Kenneth Bamberg remarked, "This breakfast is a small token of our immense gratitude for the men and women who serve and protect our community daily. It's an honor to come together with our colleagues from SLED and the Detention Center to recognize the dedication and sacrifices made by law enforcement officers during National Police Week."

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For more information on this news release, email info@bambergcounty.sc.gov.