PICKENS COUNTY – Lt. Rita Burgess with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office was presented the Billy Wilkins Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement recently for her commitment and dedication to the investigation and prosecution of cases. Specifically, cases involving child abuse.
“Lt. Burgess has shown a commitment to taking a hands on approach to the prosecution of her cases,” said Chief Deputy Creed Hashe in a released statement. “She regularly meets with the Solicitor’s Office during each stage of the process. Her cases are fully investigated and she is always prepared when testifying in court.
“Due to the diligent and dedicated work that Lieutenant Burgess puts into cases, many of the most horrific crimes in Pickens County result in a conviction,” he added.
The Sheriff’s Office states that Burgess started as a dispatcher in January 1991 at the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office before rising in the ranks to supervise the Special Victims Unit.
“Her commitment to the job and the people of Pickens County is apparent to her supervisors, colleagues and victims,” said Hashe. “She remains a steadfast advocate for those she serves. As prosecutors, it is an honor to present this distinguished award to a person who gives 100 percent of herself to each and every case she encounters.”
