Photo Gallery | LCSD announces Employees of the Quarter
Lexington County Sheriff James R. Metts on Tuesday, March 5 recognized Lexington County Detention Center Correctional Officer Albert Schuck and Correctional Officer Philipp Weiger as the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Employees of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2012.
Citizens who serve on the Lexington County Sheriff’s Advisory Council selected Schuck and Weiger to be honored as the Employees of the Quarter, Metts said. The sheriff recognized Schuck and Weiger during a quarterly employee awards ceremony that the sheriff conducted at 4 p.m. on Tuesday for Sheriff’s Department employees.
In addition to recognizing Schuck and Weiger as the Employees of the Quarter, Metts also presented the Sheriff’s Department Life Saving Award to Schuck and Weiger in recognition of their actions on October 16, 2012, when the two correctional officers found that a male inmate was unresponsive in his cell, having suffered a laceration to his forehead.
In the October 16, 2012 incident, Schuck and Weiger declared a medical emergency in the housing unit and determined that the inmate was finding it difficult to breathe, Metts said. Rescue breathing techniques were conducted on the inmate until medical personnel arrived. The inmate was transported to Lexington Medical Center, where the inmate later was treated and released.
“Albert and Philipp followed their training as correctional officers and reacted quickly when they saw an inmate experiencing a life-threatening situation in his cell,” Metts said. “Their commitment to provide professional correctional services saved the inmate’s life.”
On August 12, 1996, Metts appointed Schuck, 53, of West Columbia, to serve as a correctional officer. On January 23, 2012, Metts appointed Weiger, 28, of Irmo, to serve as a correctional officer.
Metts also presented the Sheriff’s Department Gold Star Award to Detective Steve Baumgardner, who investigates identity-theft and white-collar crime cases. On August 4, 1997, Metts appointed Baumgardner, 53, of Columbia, to serve as a deputy.
Metts created the Gold Star Award in order to recognize Sheriff’s Department employees who provide exceptional customer service to citizens. The sheriff presents the award quarterly.
Metts recognized Baumgardner for his successful investigation of a case in which a guest accrued more than $1,000 in room charges at a Microtel Inn & Suites on Piney Grove Road near Irmo and left the motel without paying the room charges. As a result of his investigation, Baumgardner ensured that the owners of the motel received full reimbursement for the room charges at the motel that the guest had accrued and not paid.
“The owners of the motel told me that they were impressed with the tenacity and dedication with which Steve conducted the investigation,” Metts said. “Steve conducts investigations with the utmost professionalism, skill and compassion for crime victims.”
Metts also recognized Donna Peck as the Civilian Employee of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2012. On June 16, 2008, Metts appointed Peck, 57, of West Columbia, to serve as an employee in the Sheriff’s Department Warrant Division.
Peck handles hundreds of civil process documents weekly and prepares affidavits for each civil process document that deputies serve, Metts said. Peck also provides assistance to citizens who call the Warrant Division or come to the Warrant Division office. In addition, Peck volunteered to assist with the annual Sheriff’s Department Holiday Food and Toy Drive by screening more than 50 families in 2012 who received food and toys from the agency. Peck also helped put together gift boxes for families that needed assistance.
“Donna is very committed to provide excellent customer service to citizens,” Metts said. “Donna also regularly volunteers her time to assist with community service projects that enhance the quality of life for people in Lexington County.”
