Police chief awards one of his own

The city of Loris spotlights employees each month for their hard work and dedication to their job and to the city of Loris.  For the month of July four employees were recognized with a certificate of service.

Featured this month are Detective Eric Stevens, Crew Leader Sean Bennett and heavy equipment operator Harrison Ravenell.

Stevens has dreamed of becoming a police officer from childhood and accomplished that goal in 2008, two years after graduating from Loris High School.  He surpassed his goal through promotions from road officer to Corporal Stevens in 2017 and Sergeant Detective Stevens in 2018 becoming the first detective with the Loris Police Department.  His training is extensive. He has received certificates in background investigations, suicide bombing response, homicide investigation and crime scene management, basic detective course, elder victimization response, id-level management, interview and interrogation training, criminal investigations as well as public safety and media relations training.  Stevens has been nominated for the Community Law Enforcement Appreciation Award.  He said, “I would like to express my gratitude to retired Police Chief Karen Shepherd who gave me a shot at my dream.”  He states that over the past few years the police department has progressed in a positive direction and would like to see that continue throughout the future.  Stevens said, “My goal is to make a difference in the community by helping others and keeping our city safe.”

Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) Harrison “Dog” Ravenell Sr. moved to Loris in 1954.  He began his career as a HEO 47 years ago and joined the city of Loris in 1992.  He retired in 2013 and decided he wasn’t finished working and was rehired in 2015.  With his lengthy time as an HEO, Ravenell says he can operate any piece of equipment.  Currently he is the master backhoe operator and is often seen clearing ditches and ditch banks to improve the storm water drainage system throughout the city.  He also assists with major water and sewer repairs when needed.  Ravenell enjoys his job and finds peace working alone listening to music while enjoying nature.  “It makes me feel good knowing that my work makes the citizens of Loris happy;” said Ravenell. “My goal is to continue to help make the city a better place for all the people who live here.”

Sean Bennett, Sewer Crew Leader, began his career with the Street Department in 2007, and transferred to the Water and Sew Department in 2009.  As Sewer Crew Leader he oversees new sewer taps, breaks and backups, he maintains and repairs pump stations and grinder pumps and assists with major water breaks when needed.  Bennett enjoys working hands on and out in the field; he’s generally the first one to answer al call when an emergency occurs.  He said, “I love my job and I love working hands-on.”  He says his future goal is to educate the citizens of Loris how to help eliminate issues within the sewer system.

Loris Police Department Chief Gary Buley presented Bobby Brush with the Life Saving Award.  This award is presented to an employee who takes action that results in saving a life who may otherwise have suffered great bodily harm or death.  Officer Ricky Ruggerio placed the pin for Life Saving on Brush’s lapel.

Chief Buley said, “First I want to congratulate Eric Stevens for being recognized as officer of the month for July by the community law enforcement appreciation committee.” 

He then called officer Bobby Brooks to receive the Life Saving Award.  Corporal Ruggerio, Brush’s supervisor, was given the privilege of placing the Life Saving Pin onto Brush’s lapel as Chief Buley shared the reason he earned the award.  He said Brush was nominated for the Life Saving Award from an incident that occurred in July 2019.  Brush was responding to a welfare check on a property in Loris when he observed a vehicle going at a high rate of speed. He stopped the vehicle. When the driver exited the vehicle Brush observed the man had severe lacerations and bleeding profusely.  The man had stated he had been cut by a piece of glass.  Brush took action by first calling for emergency services and with protective gear applied pressure to the wound until the EMS arrived.  He congratulated Brush for his quick response.