Courtesy Photo

Flanked by Billy Wilkins, left, and Walt Wilkins, right, Sgt. Chuck James, who heads the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office detective division, holds the plaque he received as the recipient of the 2015 Billy Wilkins Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement presented last Wednesday at the Pickens County Courthouse.

By Greg Oliver
Courtesy The Journal

goliver@upstatetoday.com

PICKENS — Chuck James said he grew up as a military brat whose dad was a military police officer for 20 years. What he observed admittedly “piqued his interest” in law enforcement.

James has been with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office for the past eight years, and his contributions were recognized Wednesday as he was named the 2015 recipient of the Billy Wilkins Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement.

“When I left the Charleston Police Department in 2007 and came to Pickens County, I was welcomed and have been fortunate enough to work at an agency that allows me to do the things I want to do and pursue investigation with a team of professionals I am fortunate to work with,” James said in accepting the award from Billy Wilkins, who served as 13th Circuit solicitor from 1974-81 and later as a federal judge.

James was referred to in his award nomination as a “go-to guy” in the sheriff’s office, as someone who enthusiastically accepts all responsibilities, epitomizes a team leader and treats everyone — no matter their station in life — with respect and dignity. He was also described as soft spoken and humble and someone who represents the highest degree of experience in the law enforcement community.

“Detective James is one of our best,” Pickens County Sheriff Rick Clark said. “His commitment to our office and the citizens of Pickens is outstanding. He’s a great officer, and we see a lot of potential from him in the future.”

Clark said James was recognized specifically for his work in the Dacusville homicide case in which Crystal Williams eventually pleaded guilty to murder and conspiracy in the death of her husband, Shane Williams, in January 2014.

“He was a large part of this (case),” Clark said. “It was one of the first homicide cases with us as part of our team.”

James called receiving the award “a great privilege and a great honor,” but added that he was shocked to be this year’s recipient.

“Quite frankly, I’m not sure I have been in law enforcement long enough to receive this,” James said. “Some of the recipients have been 26-year veterans.”

When asked what he enjoys most about his job, James replied “the thrill of the chase.”

Seven detectives work with James, who said he is blessed to have such a great team that works hard at solving crimes.

“We really do have great camaraderie in the sheriff’s office right now, especially in the detective division,” James said. “I have full faith of putting anything in their hands.”

James said he doesn’t let the scrutiny law enforcement is under these days, locally as well as nationally, impact his work because to focus on it “makes it hard to do your job.”

He came to Pickens County after meeting girlfriend Kristy Leopard, who oversees the jail as lieutenant at the Pickens County Detention Center, at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in 2007.

“It’s one of those things with the positions we have, not necessarily with law enforcement, but prisoner cases and things that law enforcement does that can be understood without even speaking because you understand what the other is going through,” James said.