TO CONGRATULATE ASSISTANT CHIEF PAUL "CRICKET" GRANT UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION, TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS DEDICATED CAREER IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE YEARS TO COME.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Assistant Chief Paul "Cricket" Grant upon the occasion of his retirement; and

Whereas, Assistant Chief Grant is an alumnus of the University of South Carolina, where he earned a degree in criminal justice; the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, where he was a graduate of the only class consisting entirely of SLED agents; and the FBI National Academy; and

Whereas, Assistant Chief Grant's interest in law enforcement and public service began at an early age, as his father was a veteran law enforcement officer who retired after serving sixteen years as the sheriff of Aiken County; and

Whereas, Assistant Chief Grant began his career with SLED on August 6, 1976 as a field agent. Over the years, he served as both lieutenant and captain over the Midlands Investigative Region and as the major of investigative services, where he provided direct oversight and leadership to the largest component of SLED and where he supervised all investigative matters handled by the agency. Rising through the ranks, he was named assistant chief on October 2, 2015; and

Whereas, throughout his forty-five-year career, Assistant Chief Grant has played a crucial role in countless high-profile cases, and his investigative knowledge, ability to forge long-lasting partnerships with local law enforcement, and leadership abilities have proved invaluable to solving many cases; and

Whereas, an active leader in his profession, Assistant Chief Grant is a member of the South Carolina FBI National Academy Associates, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers' Association, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers, the SLED Society of Former Agents, and the Aiken Sertoma Club; and

Whereas, over the years, Assistant Chief Grant has received a number of honors and awards, including the 2016 Strom Thurmond Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement; and

Whereas, Assistant Chief Grant and his wife, Marilyn, are active members of Millbrook Baptist Church, where he serves in many different positions. Additionally, his strong faith and witness have made a difference in the lives of many people across South Carolina and beyond; and

Whereas, the Senate is grateful for the passion, commitment, and dedication that this son of South Carolina has shown in serving the State and the people of South Carolina. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate Assistant Chief Paul "Cricket" Grant upon the occasion of his retirement from the State Law Enforcement Division, commend him for his dedicated career in law enforcement, and wish him much happiness and fulfillment in the years to come.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Assistant Chief Paul "Cricket" Grant.