South Congaree Police Department swears in two officers, promotes another

South Congaree, SC (Paul Kirby) – South Congaree Police Chief Josh Shumpert took a moment at the town council’s meeting Tuesday night to swear in two officers and promote his corporal to sergeant. Chief Shumpert said this once again brings his department up to full staffing.

Shumpert gave the department’s oath to the two new hires first. Officer Daniel Alonzo was the first to be sworn in. Alonzo has almost a decade of experience and is fluent in Spanish. His bilingual ability has already been helpful in South Congaree and other departments around the town as the area’s Hispanic population grows.

Officer William Young was also sworn in by the chief. Young lives in the town and not only is a Class 1 officer, he also has code enforcement experience. Chief Shumpert said that Young has already proved he’s willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. Shumpert said that even when Young is off duty, he’ll respond from home to assist an officer any time help is needed.

Corporal Charlie Williams was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Chief Shumpert said that Williams has been with the department for several years and has always been loyal and willing to take on even the toughest task. He will be assisting Shumpert with the training of the new officers as he already is the department’s training officer.

At the end of the swearing in and promotion ceremony, Kenneth Edmonds, the 2019 prince of the South Congaree Creekside Jamboree, raised his hand and was called on by the chief to speak. Kenny brought a round of applause when he simply said to the officers, “Thank you for keeping us safe.”