The West Columbia Police Department’s Lieutenant Robert Sharpe was recognized Tuesday by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) at the Lexington County County meeting. He was commended for his exceptional efforts in his community.

West Columbia Police Chief Dennis Tyndall and Assistant Police Chief Scott Morrison were on hand at the meeting, to see Sharpe honored.

Sharpe was selected in the Law Enforcement Category as the local, state, and national VFW Chapter winner. Bill Havlin, the SC Veterans of Foreign Wars State Commander, and Lexington County Council recognized Sharpe.

West Columbia Police Chief Dennis Tyndall said, “Lieutenant Sharpe has a love for his community and a passion for the law enforcement profession. Lieutenant Sharpe has stuck with the City of West Columbia and has served his community longer than any other member of the Department. He continues to pass on his knowledge and experience to younger officers. What is even more amazing is that he has served the community for free, receiving no compensation for his efforts.” Lieutenant Robert Sharpe has served as a reserve officer with department for over 38 years.

Sharpe joined the West Columbia Police Department as a reserve officer in 1978. He worked his way up to Reserve Lieutenant by 1992. He was named the 2001 Officer of the Year by the officers of the West Columbia Police Department. He received the 2004 Tommy Fox Award from the Lexington County Law Enforcement Officers Association for his dedicated service. Sharpe received the Order of the Palmetto in April 2009.

Each year the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) recognizes Public Servants for their exceptional efforts to serve in our communities. The VFW asked Lexington County Public Safety to provide them with nominations for three award categories. Public Safety solicited nominations from Lexington County Public Safety, including the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Divisions, the Sheriff’s Department and Municipal Law Enforcement, and fire response departments from around the County.