THANK YOU... to all of the very special people in the Greater Columbia area that make our area a better place to live with their service and care. Police officers, firefighters, school teachers, and volunteers through churches, hospitals, sports and special service organizations all make our community a better place to live.

Annually, ColumbiaSouthCarolina.com will make a selection of an individual with a "Community Service Award of the Year."

2002 Community Service Award
MILES WEAVER
Deputy, Richland County Sheriff's Department

Mr. Weaver had already served his country in the United States Marines and in August 2001 attained a life-long dream of serving as a police officer when he joined the Richland County Sheriff's Department. On June 27, 2002, Deputy Weaver stopped a suspicious vehicle at 2:30 a.m. As he approached the vehicle, a shot was fired at Deputy Weaver and he was hit in the left eye. Despite the gunshot wound, Deputy Weaver was able to return fire, striking one of the suspects, and he calmly used his radio to call in the suspect description and the direction of travel. The suspects were caught shortly afterwards and it was discovered that they had been responsible for a string of ATM robberies in Richland County. Fortunately, these thugs are now behind bars thanks to Deputy Miles.

After losing his left eye, Deputy Weaver again passed fitness, driving and firearms examinations with flying colors to return to his job in less than three months. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott stated, "Miles Weaver is a tremendous example of courage and tenacity, not only for our deputies, but for all law enforcement officers."

Other honors and awards to Deputy Weaver include: 2002 Richland County Deputy of the Year; Order of the Palmetto by Governor Hodges, and national recognition with the National Association of Police Organizations' "Top Cops" Award. With this national award, Mr. Weaver will be profiled in Parade Magazine.

ColumbiaSouthCarolina.com is pleased to present the very first Community Service Award to Deputy Miles Weaver. Thank you for your service to our community.

Richland County Sheriff's Department * Richland County Sheriff's Foundation