Florence County, South Carolina – A group of Florence County’s most dedicated public safety professionals recently received statewide recognition during a special ceremony held at the South Carolina Statehouse, where Temple & Hogsette Law Group honored 13 individuals as this year’s “First Responders of the Year.”
The annual event celebrates deputies, police officers, firefighters, state troopers, conservation officers, airport security personnel, and detention staff whose work plays a vital role in protecting the Florence community.
Now in its 16th year, the recognition has become a longstanding tradition highlighting the courage, professionalism, and steady commitment displayed by those who serve on the front lines of public safety.
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The ceremony was originally hosted by the late Florence Senator Hugh Leatherman and continues today with support from members of the Florence County legislative delegation. Representative Wallace H. “Jay” Jordan, Representative Phillip D. Lowe, and Senator Mike Reichenbach now help lead the Statehouse event, ensuring that the achievements of local first responders are recognized on a broader stage.
Each honoree is nominated by a supervisor and selected for demonstrating outstanding leadership, service, and dedication in protecting residents across Florence County. The recognition serves as a moment to spotlight individuals whose daily work often happens quietly, far from public attention.
Founding partner Hood Temple said the ceremony provides an opportunity to pause and acknowledge the sacrifices made by those who consistently answer the call to help others.
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He noted that first responders frequently place themselves in difficult and dangerous situations in order to protect families and neighborhoods across the community.
The Statehouse gathering includes formal recognition by members of the South Carolina General Assembly, a guided tour of the historic building, and a private luncheon with the Florence County legislative delegation. Each recipient is also presented with a commemorative certificate recognizing their service and dedication.
This year’s honorees represent multiple agencies serving the region.
They include Senior Trooper Allyson Luisetti and Trooper First Class Tommy Shaw of South Carolina Highway Patrol Troop 5; Deputy Chief Nelson Tart of Florence Regional Airport; Sergeant David Leggett and Officer Jordan Williams of the Florence City Police Department; Officer Tyler Urquhart and First Sergeant Spencer Driggers of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources; Deputies Niles Hartz and Devin Ard, Sergeant Qiana Quick, and Corrections Deputy Nina Pressley of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office; and Florence Fire Department members Firefighter Jay Lee and Captain Rudy Hendrix.
Representative Jordan said the recognition highlights the character and commitment that form the foundation of public safety in Florence County.
“Public safety is built on the character and commitment of the individuals who serve our communities every day,” said Representative Wallace H. “Jay” Jordan.
“It is an honor for our delegation to recognize these remarkable first responders at the Statehouse and thank them for the sacrifices they and their families make on behalf of Florence County.”
Alec Hogsette, a partner at Temple & Hogsette Law Group, added that honoring first responders remains an important way to ensure their service and dedication never go unnoticed.
The Florence-based law firm continues to support initiatives that recognize individuals who strengthen the Pee Dee region, including programs that celebrate educators, first responders, and other community leaders whose work helps build safer and stronger communities.
