SUBER WINS SOLICITOR’S AWARD FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT EXCELLENCE

When the Spartanburg Public Safety Department has a challenging assignment, they often ask Lt. Tim Suber to take it on.

The veteran police officer’s success and his dedication to his profession earned him the 2009 Solicitor’s Award for Spartanburg County Law Enforcement Excellence. Suber accepted the award at a law enforcement appreciation dinner in Spartanburg. Suber spearheads the city police department’s special service division, and his responsibilities include the supervision of the Downtown Unit, the K-9 Unit, the Neighborhood Improvement Team, the Violent Crimes Task Force and Special Events. Suber was in charge of the 2008 investigation that led to 13 people being charged in a copper theft ring that involved more than 50 homes and businesses in various parts of the city. The probe produced 13 arrests on 200+ criminal charges and several lengthy prison sentences.

Suber was also part of the team of officers who apprehended an armed 15-year-old teen moments after he robbed a Daniel Morgan Avenue business. Suber saw the teen run into a nearby apartment complex, and he organized the search that led to the suspect inside an apartment. The teen was connected to several other violent crimes after his arrest.

“Law enforcement is more than a job to Tim Suber,” Solicitor Trey Gowdy said. “It is a way of life. Tim has devoted his career to making Spartanburg a better place to live and work.”

Suber’s prize package includes a trip to Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, a gift certificate to drive a BMW for a weekend and a personalized drink coaster set. He will also have his name added to a plaque that hangs in the lobby of Spartanburg County Solicitor’s Office.

A committee of police officers from city, county and state agencies nominated and named the Spartanburg County winner. The finalists for the award – Jason Bryant of the Sheriff’s Office, Bob Ivey of the Pacolet Police Department, Jeff Fortner of the Highway Patrol and ATF Agent Heather Cox-McClain were recognized during the dinner. Sgt. Richard Seay of the county Detention Facility was recognized for his efforts to assist with courthouse security.

Generous donations by some community leaders helped make the evening a success. The donor list includes 4 You! Custom Gifts & Awards, American Security, Apollo’s House of Pizza, B&D Family Jewelers, Beacon Drive-In, Billy D’s Grill, Bishop Furniture, BMW, Brasserie Ecosse, Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Cohen’s Wearhouse, Costco, CWS Insurance, Dave Edwards Toyota, Dee Tee’s Quick Stop, Extended Stay, II Samuels, Fas Way of Enoree, SC, Gentle Dental Clinic, Gibbs International Inc., Hair It Is, Little Caesars Pizza, Mr. David Little, Mr. Ed Mabry, Mr. David White, Mr. Tom Foster, Mr. & Mrs. Jimbo Martin, Mill House Lodge, Monsoon Noodle House, New York Jewelry & Watches, Piedmont Natural Gas, Salon 290, Sonny’s Brick Oven Pizza, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association, Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, Spartanburg Sanitary Sewer District, Spartanburg Water System, Steak Royale, Studio 9 Hair Salon, This N That, Thomas and Son Formal Wear, The Westin at Hilton Head, Travis Bell Photography, Vic Bailey Auto, Vickers Auto Parts, Wade’s and The Westin at Hilton Head

“I appreciate the community’s willingness to support such a worthy cause,” Gowdy said. “Police officers and their families richly deserve a night of rest and relaxation for the many sacrifices they make to keep the community safe.”

For more information, contact Murray Glenn at 809-4892.