Blue and Gold Award

This award pays homage to those Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Personnel who, in the line of duty, often pay so severe and, in some cases, the ultimate price to guard and protect our Community and property.

The 2005-06 Blue & Gold Award was presented to Deputy Ryan Blakeley of the Charleston County Sheriff's Office. On October 20, 2005, Deputy Blakeley was working with the Sheriff's Office Street Crimes Unit in Hollywood, SC. The members of the unit converged on a well-know drug spot off Hwy 162 and a drunken subject in the road, started running toward the rear of a business across a field. Deputy Blakeley pursued the subject on foot and tackled him. As he did, his left hand struck a tree, which had just been cut, causing a deep, large laceration approximately 6 inches long to the outer portion of his hand. Deputy Blakeley's injury is permanently disfiguring. Subsequently, the subject was arrested and lodged in the Charleston County Deterntion Center for disorderly conduct. Actions like this demonstrate Deputy Blakeley's dedication to our community.