Brandy Caldwell Named Officer of the Year

Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office Announces Sergeant Brandy Caldwell as 2024 Officer of the Year
Fairfield County, SC — The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognizes Sergeant Brandy Caldwell as the 2024 Officer of the Year. This honor highlights her unwavering dedication, exceptional service, and positive influence on our schools and community.
A graduate of Fairfield Central High School’s Class of 2002, Sgt. Caldwell began her distinguished career with the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office in 2008. Since 2015, she has served as a School Resource Officer (SRO) at Fairfield County Middle School, where her leadership and commitment to the well-being of students have been transformative.
Sgt. Caldwell’s influence extends beyond Fairfield County. She has held positions on the South Carolina DARE Association Executive Board and currently serves on the Executive Board of the South Carolina Association of School Resource Officers (SCASRO). Through her statewide connections, Sgt. Caldwell has become an invaluable resource for SROs across South Carolina, ensuring best practices in school safety and student engagement.
Her personal motto, “Children First,” reflects the heart of her work. Sgt. Caldwell is a firm believer in the role of SROs as mentors, educators, and law enforcement officers, as embodied in the nationally recognized Triad Model of school policing. This approach fosters positive relationships with students, enabling proactive intervention and creating a safe environment for learning.
“To be a school resource officer, you have to have a passion for children,” Sgt. Caldwell has often said. “It’s got to be inside your heart that you want to make a difference in your community. It’s beyond just the school doors that we can help them. They know that if something’s happening in the community, they can come to the school resource officer, and we’ll work to make sure that we’re supporting them as well.”
Sheriff Montgomery commended Sgt. Caldwell, stating, “Sgt. Caldwell is a well-trained SRO who works tirelessly to bridge the gap between our youth and law enforcement. Her dedication fosters a positive impression not only within our schools but throughout Fairfield County. She exemplifies the core values of our office and is a vital asset to our team. She is the first one in the door every morning and the last to leave."
Sgt. Caldwell’s unselfish dedication, proactive mindset, and ability to connect with students have made her an irreplaceable part of the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office. Her work ensures that students feel supported, valued, and safe, both within their schools and in the broader community.
Congratulations to Sergeant Brandy Caldwell for this well-deserved recognition as the 2024 Officer of the Year.