The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to recognize its own Corporal Joseph W. Michaud as the recipient of the annual Exchange Club Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award.

Corporal Michaud was presented with his award during the 9/11 memorial ceremony at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in Beaufort.

Beginning his law enforcement career in July of 2005 in the Sheriff’s Office Southern Enforcement Division, Cpl. Michaud immediately proved to be extremely proactive and diligent in his duties, eagerly assisting with special assignments to include proactive enforcement. He also worked closely with the Southern Criminal Investigations Section and the Drug Investigations Section to help bring about numerous arrests and convictions as well as the recovery of stolen property for numerous Beaufort County citizens.

Since his assignment to the Drug Investigations Section, Cpl. Michaud has played a critical part in, and acted as lead investigator in numerous high-profile drug cases that resulted in the seizures of large quantities of illegal drugs and U.S. currency. He specifically requested to learn the process of investigating the fraud and illegal sale of prescription drugs, which has resulted in the arrest and successful prosecution of numerous defendants in Beaufort and Jasper counties.

In 2013, Cpl. Michaud was the primary investigator during a joint investigation with the Drug Enforcement Administration that resulted in 25 federal indictments throughout Beaufort County. This case was significant because it involved prescription drugs that were being distributed illegally in Beaufort County.

Cpl. Michaud’s level of expertise, professionalism and dedication are exemplary, and his genuine team spirit has been evident as he trains and spends time with follow team members. He has played an important role in the success of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Drug Investigations Section, and with more than seven years of law enforcement experience, continues to impart strength to any assignment with which he is tasked.
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