By Betsy Finklea
Two retiring deputies, Lt. Reggie Thompson and Lt. Wayne Kirby, were recognized for their service to Dillon County at a luncheon held at the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office on Friday.
Everyone was all smiles as they enjoyed the large spread of food and reminiscing about what these two deputies have meant to the department.
Sheriff Jamie Hamilton thanked both men on behalf of the citizens of Dillon County for their service.
Wayne Kirby joined the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office in 2020. In 1997, he had served at the prison farm, and in 1998, he joined the City of Dillon Police Department. Sheriff Hamilton said that Kirby had worn many hats at the Sheriff’s Office. He started out in patrol before finding his niche in evidence, but he acted in other capacities as office manager and in IT. Hamilton thanked him for 25 years of service and presented him a plaque. Kirby said words could not describe how much this has meant to him over the years and said it was an honor to call everyone at the department his brothers and sisters. Kirby will be going to the high school to teach math.
Reggie Thompson has 32 years of law enforcement experience all at the Dillon County Sheriff’s Office. He also started in patrol and worked his way through the ranks to investigator. Hamilton talked about Thompson’s involvement in youth baseball and football. He said Thompson had been a role model for kids in the community. Thompson said he enjoyed his 32 years in law enforcement. He was hired by Sheriff Harold Grice at the age of 23. He recalled that Harold Grice had told him he was too young to be a deputy, but he won him over. Thompson will work until April.
Senator Kent Williams thanked both men for their service. He said law enforcement was a noble profession.
Others made remarks including Pam Johnson, Angela Thompson, Bobby Porter, and former Sheriff Harold Grice. Moses Heyward opened with prayer.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the gathering.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Betsy Finklea/The Dillon County News, LLC
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