Couple serves county above and beyond

As law enforcement officers, Eric and Ashley Russell know something about helping others. But the Lexington County duo also have been focusing their efforts on bettering their community.

The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department recently honored the married couple as its Employees of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2008.

The Lexington County Sheriff’s Advisory Council made the selection, and Sheriff James R. Metts made the formal presentations at the recent quarterly Sheriff’s Department Employee Awards Ceremony.

Eric Russell, 41, has worked for the Sheriff’s Department 15 years and is a detective in the Major Crimes Unit. Ashley Russell, 43, a sergeant, has worked for the department eight years and supervises detectives who investigate property crimes in the South Region patrol district, based in Pelion.

The two were noted for developing a protocol to rescue large animals and ensuring they receive proper care at their Lexington home. Lexington County Animal Services can rescue only cats and dogs, while the Sheriff’s Department responds to calls concerning horses, pigs, goats and other large animals found roaming free across the county.

The Russells use their personal truck, trailer and other equipment to rescue large animals and provide free food for them at their home.

“Eric and Ashley volunteer their time to wrangle and rescue large animals, even though it often places their personal safety in jeopardy because the animals are scared due to mistreatment,” Metts said. “Eric and Ashley care for the rescued animals as if the animals belonged to them, and they provide a lot of love and nourishment for animals who often desperately need tender care.”

The Russells also were presented the Sheriff’s Department Special Achievement Award during the recent recognition ceremony.

Metts also presented county resident Phil Tanner with the Sheriff’s Award, the highest civilian honor the sheriff can bestow.

Tanner coordinates the Skills USA program in the Lexington-Richland 5 school district.

The nonprofit program develops partnerships among high school students, teachers and members of the business community to ensure students get the necessary technical skills to pursue careers in private industry.

Tanner and his students have donated more than $10,000 to the Sheriff’s Foundation to buy equipment and other items for the Sheriff’s Department Special Weapons and Tactics Team.

“Our agency and the Sheriff’s Foundation are deeply indebted to Phil Tanner and the Skills USA students for their hard work and dedication in supporting our efforts to protect and serve the citizens of Lexington County,” Metts said.