Legacy police officer named Lexington Police Department’s Employee of the Quarter

Lexington, SC 07/15/2024 (Paul Kirby) – Lexington Police Chief Terrance Green recently awarded Officer William Garner the department’s Employee of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2024. He was nominated by his fellow officers of Bravo Shift for his excellent attitude and his willingness to serve.

Officer Garner is considered a legacy officer. That means that he is one in a longlist of law enforcement professionals in his family. His father is Chief Chris Garner who retired from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department where he held the title of South Region Commander. He then went to work reactivating the Pelion Police Department where he worked as chief until he retired again. His uncle Greg Shockley is currently 2nd in command at the Sheriff’s Department. His maternal grandfather William “Bill” Shockley was a deputy at the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department before becoming Swansea area magistrate until he retired. His paternal great grandfather, and grandfather were also law enforcement officers in their home state of New York.   

Other officers of Bravo Shift describe Garner as a team player who routinely answers calls for service, even if they are outside of his assigned district. They say he will do anything he can to support his shift. He has quickly shown himself to be knowledgeable, professional, and empathetic.  Recently he became a Field Training Officer and is responsible for training new officers when they join the department.

Officer Garner is part of the departments Honor Guard and a member of the department's Alcohol Enforcement Team. This team works to curb underage drinking in the Lexington community.