Lexington County Business Owner Receives Sheriff's Award

Larry Ogburn, owner of the Wateree Dive Center, Inc., was recently presented with the Sheriff's Award — the highest honor the sheriff can bestow.

Lexington County Sheriff James R. Metts recognized Ogburn for his 23 years of service assisting the department's Dive Team since its inception in 1989.

"A humble and considerate man, Larry would hardly reveal his significant impact upon Public Safety Diving and the sport of recreational diving, which he has devoted and contributed over 53 years of his life," Metts said. "He is our friend and we’re honored to have such a genuine relationship with a strong supporter of law enforcement, specifically his devoted association with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department." 

In May of 2011, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Dive Team was reorganized for meeting the increasing demands upon Public Safety Diving. The primary focus was directed towards advanced capabilities in providing rescue, recovery, criminal investigation, and improving Incident Management and Homeland Security efforts, Metts said.

The most advanced technical training available in South Carolina for a Public Safety Diver is the Law Enforcement Diver Phase III course, designed by Ogburn, and instructed through him and his staff at the Wateree Dive Center.

The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Dive Team completed the Law Enforcement Diver Phase III course on June 10, 2011, Metts said, and became the first team in the Midlands to achieve this advanced Public Safety Diver certification.

Submitted by the Lexington County Sheriff's Department.