Police Officer of the Year nominees announced

Officers from each of the county’s three law-enforcement agencies have been nominated for Laurens County Police Officer of the Year.

The officers will be recognized and the winner announced at a ceremony on Tuesday, May 16. The event is open to the public.

Each nominee will receive various gift certificates and a recognition plaque. The winner will also receive a trip to Myrtle Beach.

Here are the three nominees for this year’s award:

Lt. Catherine Anderson, Clinton Public Safety

Anderson joined the Clinton Department of Public Safety as a reserve officer in 2005 and moved to full-time in 2007. She began her law-enforcement career with the S.C. Highway Patrol in 1982.

“As anyone in the community about Lt. Anderson, and they will tell you she is stern but fair, calls everyone ‘Pooky’ and is well liked,” Clinton Public Safety Chief Robin Morse said. “She also speaks at churches and women’s conferences.”

Capt. Michael “Mickey” Coates, Laurens County Sheriff’s Office

Coates is a 16-year veteran of the LCSO and credited by Sheriff Don Reynolds for his assistance in the transition to the newly elected administration.

(Coates) gives of his time and talents above and beyond what is required of him,” Reynolds said, noting that Coates is also “very active in his community and church.”

Officer Ben Gallo, Laurens Police Department

Gallo joined the the LPD in 2015 and is following in his parents’ footsteps by pursuing a career in law enforcement.

“(Gallo) has the calm and decision-making abilities of a more season officer,” said LPD Chief Sonny Ledda, noting that Gallo also coaches soccer, basketball and baseball through the YMCA in his off hours.