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A staff report
On the morning of February 28, 2024, the Law Enforcement Center in Bladen County became a place of solemnity and celebration. At 10:00 a.m., members of the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, along with their families, friends, and the community, gathered to witness an event marking a significant milestone in the careers of many of its members. The Oath of Office and Promotion Ceremony not only symbolized the commitment of the officers to their duties but also their dedication to the community they serve.
“I’m very pleased with the people we have here,” Sheriff McVicker shared, “This is a family organization and we have strived for almost ten years now to make sure all our families are involved and it’s important to my whole staff to have you all here today at Bladen County Sheriff’s Office.”
The ceremony began with a blessing of the occasion by Chaplain Warren Hill, whose words brought a sense of unity and purpose to the gathering. The Pledge of Allegiance, led by First Sgt James Monroe, was a poignant reminder of the values that the men and women of the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office strive to uphold every day.
Sheriff Jim McVicker’s opening remarks set the tone for the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of integrity, service, and community in law enforcement. As he spoke, it was clear that these values were deeply ingrained in the ethos of the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office.
In a heartwarming gesture of welcome, Bladen County Sheriff’s Office Recruiter Shella Y. Stephens, accompanied by Captain Daniel Clark, greeted those in attendance, underscoring the importance of law enforcement efforts. The core of the ceremony was to recognize 18 members of the Sheriff’s Office who have been promoted over the past two years, and the administration of the Oaths of Office by Cristin Hursey, Clerk of the Superior Court.
“It’s very important that we recognize these staff members, so that’s what we are going to do today,” Stephens said.
The officers who took their oaths—Christopher A. Milanese, Scottie O. Pickett, Jr., Mark P. LaRose, and Jonathan C. Pickering—pledged to uphold the law and serve their community with honor. Their roles ranged from Detention Center Officers to Deputy Sheriffs in the Patrol Division, each vital to the functioning of the Sheriff’s Office and the safety of the community.
Promotions were a significant part of the ceremony, recognizing the hard work, dedication, and achievements of the officers. Chief Deputy T. Morgan Johnson took the podium to explain the promotion process of the individuals who had demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment in various divisions, including the Criminal Investigative Division and Patrol Division. Each promotion was a reward for the officer’s dedication to their career and their community.
Johnson joking took credit for the men’s dapper appearance, but sincerely applauded the men and women for their dedication and service.
Following is an outline of the promotions at the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office:
– Richard C. Allen was promoted to Captain, Criminal Investigative Division on December 13, 2023.
– Jennifer Popynick was promoted to Sergeant, Criminal Investigative Division on January 2, 2022.
– Richard K. Bryant was promoted to Sergeant, Patrol Division on December 31, 2023.
– Michael Ratcliffe was promoted to Sergeant on January 28, 2024.
– Aaron C. Brisson was promoted to Detective, Criminal Investigative Division on November 6, 2022.
– Charles D. Melvin was promoted to Detective, Criminal Investigative Division on December 31, 2023.
– Trenton B. Lewis was promoted to Detective, Criminal Investigative Division on December 21, 2023.
– McKinley Raynor was promoted to Detective, Criminal Investigative Division on February 27, 2022.
– Taylor Townsend was promoted to Detective on January 28, 2024, and also received a certificate for General Instructor Training on February 9, 2024.
– Joseph Franklin Butler, IV was promoted to Corporal, Patrol Division on January 28, 2024.
– Kenneth Grice was promoted to Corporal, Patrol Division on January 28, 2024.
– Robert H. Hebert, II was promoted to Corporal, Community Impact Team on January 28, 2024.
– David Mark Donaldson was promoted to Major, Detention Center.
– Lewis Jennings Bryan was promoted to Corporal, Detention Center Officer.
– Tiffany Bagwell was promoted to Corporal, Detention Center Officer.
– Penelope Perkins Britt was promoted to Assistant Supervisor, 911 Communications on August 28, 2022.
– Danielle Daughn Duncan was promoted to Assistant Supervisor, 911 Communications on August 28, 2022.
– Laura Dawn Watts was promoted to Supervisor/Director, 911 Communications on March 27, 2022.
Some promotions given during the ceremony are not publicly recognized due to the nature of the law enforcement officers’ work with the Sheriff’s Office. However, all of the promotions highlight the ongoing commitment to excellence and service within the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, recognizing the hard work, dedication, and professional development of its members.
The ceremony was not just about the individuals being honored; it was a celebration of the collective spirit of the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office. Each officer, whether taking an oath or receiving a promotion, represented the values and commitment of the entire department. According to Sheriff McVicker, the ceremony was a reminder of the sacrifices and hard work of those who choose to serve in law enforcement and their role in building a safer community.
As the ceremony concluded, the officers and attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation. The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office Oath of Office & Promotion Ceremony was not just a formal event; it was a declaration of ongoing commitment to service, integrity, and community—a commitment that the men and women of the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office live out every day.
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