COLUMBIA, S.C. (WBTW) — A North Myrtle Beach Police Department sergeant was recognized Tuesday as the 2026 Governor’s Municipal Officer of the Year in South Carolina.
Sgt. Sergeant Chris Bellamy received the honor from Gov. Henry McMaster at a ceremony in Columbia.
“This prestigious honor is a direct reflection of Sgt. Bellamy’s dedication to this profession, his commitment to our community, and the leadership he demonstrates every single day,” the department said in a Facebook post. “He is the type of officer who leads by example, serves with humility, and represents this department with integrity and pride. Sgt. Bellamy’s character exemplifies what a police officer should embody.”
Horry County Police Department Patrolman 1st Class Kenneth Spears also was honored as a finalist for the Governor’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award.
According to HCPD, Spears and other officers responded to a call for service last June in which a a young child who was alone had suffered a medical emergency. Spears located the child, who because of his quick actions, received life-saving medical care. He also ran into a burning home to rescue a person who trapped, HCPD said. After learning that the person was safe, he he ran back into the home to try and rescue some pets…