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Chief Holbrook Salutes CPD Officers and Staff for 2018 Achievements

By March 15, 2019June 14th, 2019Press Releases

Columbia Police Chief W.H. ‘Skip’ Holbrook announces that several Columbia Police Department (CPD) officers, civilian employees, and external partners were recognized for their dedication, hard work, and community-police relations during 2018 at the annual Employee Awards Ceremony.

Last night, Chief Holbrook and Deputy Chief Melron Kelly presented the honors to each award recipient at the Columbia Convention Center.

Chief Holbrook told CPD employees, “We certainly have a lot to be proud of and celebrate. I want you all to know how proud I am of each of you. It is so fulfilling and rewarding for me to witness every day what you do in service to the citizens of Columbia. I appreciate the trust and confidence you put in me to lead our department. I will never take that for granted.”

The top winners of the evening were:

Rodgers has been with the Columbia Police Department since 2011 when he was assigned to North Region as a patrolman. Within a year, his drive, determination and hard work were recognized and moved him into the Special Operations group. In May 2015, he was assigned to the Midlands Gang Task Force where he continues to be responsible for investigating gang-related crimes, firearm offenses, graffiti removal and community education and outreach. Last year, the Midlands Gang Task Force focused on reducing gun violence and prolific offenders. Rodgers took on the challenge by seizing 45 firearms – 10 of which were reported stolen. He executed search warrants by working with our ATF partners to conduct federal firearms investigations which led to arrests and seizures. Five federal defendants were prosecuted.

Investigator Dudley has served CPD and Columbia citizens for the past 11 years. From the North Region Patrol Division and the Property Crimes’ Burglary Unit, to now being assigned to the Special Victims Unit, this investigator’s heart is as big as his stature. His peers are quick to point out that he is routinely assigned extensive cases and does not fail to exceed supervisor’s expectations with his work ethic and creative investigative techniques. Dudley handles his cases with compassion which is paramount to working with special victims. Last summer, he was able to link two criminal sexual conduct case to the same suspect and bring forth charges in both cases. One of the female victims of these brutal crimes was homeless and when he found out that she was in need he secured a job for her at a local hotel so she could stand on her own two feet. His kindness didn’t stop there. Investigator Dudley also purchased a bus ticket so that she could travel to and from work until her she received her first paycheck.

Officer Maurer hails from Winston, Georgia and came to CPD in January 2017 having traded in his baseball uniform for a police uniform and badge. Maurer “knocks it out of the park” by showing commitment, drive and overall positive attitude, supervisors look for in a more seasoned officer. Maurer is proactive, patient, understanding and respectful of people he encounters while on patrol. He treats others as he wants to be treated and that’s something we can all learn to do. With an athletic background, this ‘rookie’ officer has: 51 felony arrests under his belt, confiscated 10 firearms being carried by unlawful suspects, seized a variety of narcotics to include: heroin, crack cocaine, and marijuana. He’s also recovered fourteen stolen vehicles with the City of Columbia and made 6 DUI arrests.

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