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NEWBERRY COUNTY — William Pete Johnson Sr. was awarded the Larry Bragg Deputy of the Year award for 2012 by the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office.

Johnson is a lieutenant in the patrol division of the sheriff’s office.

The award is named in recognition of Deputy Lawrence Bragg III, who died in the line of duty in June 1989. The award is presented to a deputy sheriff who has shown dedication, loyalty and leadership above and beyond the call of duty.

The individual epitomizes the image of a law enforcement officer and the standards of the Sheriff’s Office. When considered for this award, the quality and quantity of work contributed by the individual, leadership abilities, and the overall performance as a commissioned employee was considered.

Participation in extra Sheriff’s Office activities and duties were also considered when making this nomination.

A lifetime resident of Newberry County, Johnson came to work with the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office in 1993. He was hired as a part-time 911 telecommunicator (dispatcher) in the communications division after graduating from Newberry High School in 1991.

While pursuing his associate’s degree at Piedmont Technical College, Johnson continued to work with the agency to fulfill a lifetime dream: becoming a law enforcement officer. After graduation, he was hired full-time as a 911 dispatcher, all the while still continuing to pursue that dream.

In 1994, he transitioned to the patrol division after graduating from the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy and this is where he “hit his stride.”

Johnson excelled as a patrol deputy and gained exceptional recognition because of his commitment to traffic-safety and control. In 1997, just three years into his law enforcement career, he was promoted to sergeant. In 1999, Johnson was promoted to lieutenant (Shift Supervisor).

Since that time, he has excelled and become a leader within the department and has also assumed some training responsibilities in the areas of Traffic Safety (Radar and Lidar Certification) and Taser Safety/Usage.

“Pete has worked hard to prove himself more than worthy of the accolades that he has received since coming to work for the department,” Sheriff Lee Foster said. “He is one of the most dedicated and committed employees with the department, and the citizens of Newberry County should be proud to have him as one of their own.”