After years of serving Newberry County and his country, School Resource Officer Wesley Palmore has garnered national recognition.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has honored Palmore with the state and National Law Enforcement Award. The award recognizes an outstanding individual in law enforcement.

“During (Wesley) Palmore’s outstanding career, he has maintained a record of highly professional and exemplary service to the community and the nation. The degree of extraordinary commitment clearly illustrates the proud core values and traditions of the law enforcement profession, further highlighted by the degree of admiration and respect from both his peers and the local public he serves,“ the award reads. “Palmore is truly an exceptional example of all who wear the badge and this honor truly reflects the proud ideals and high standards of the veterans of Foreign Wars.“

The national award sprang from O’Dell Caldwell of VFW Post 5934 recommending Palmore for state recognition. After winning the state honors, The sheriff’s deputy was recognized by the national committee.

Also included in the awards package were letters from Sheriff Lee Foster, Superintendent of Education Bennie Bennett, Palmore’s fellow officers and Post 5934.

Foster says the only other local officer to be honored by the VFW was the late Gonzer Lee Hunter, who was a deputy and served on Newberry City Council. Hunter was honored with the state award.

Foster says that Palmore does an outstanding job for his office and shows quality characteristics.

Palmore is also active in the National Guard Army and won a Bronze Star for his latest tour in Iraq.

“His active duty carries over to his work with us, and his work with us carries over to his National Guard duties,“ said Foster. “It is a win-win. We are very pleased and proud of Wesley.“

While Foster says he admires Palmore’s service to the country, he hopes he doesn’t have to endure another tour of foreign duty, but if he does the department will work with him. For his past couple of tours overseas, former Whitmire Police Chief Randy Epps has filled in for Palmore’s local duties.