Sumter City honors public-safety awardees and proclaims Black History Month

Sumter City Council opened its meeting with ceremonial recognitions, presenting a Firefighter of the Year certificate to Division Chief Justin Coker and honoring a police lieutenant as the city’s Police Officer of the Year. The fire chief praised Justin Coker’s work ethic and dedication to both citizens and colleagues. The police lieutenant’s long service — including roles as a school resource officer and juvenile detective — was highlighted by the police chief.

The council also presented a plaque to Dr. James L. Felder, introduced as an author, former state legislator and civil‑rights activist whose work documented African‑American political engagement in South Carolina. Dr. Felder thanked the council and alumni for support of Lincoln High School redevelopment, saying, “I thank you council for this award and recognition.”

Mayor David Merchant read a proclamation designating February 2026 as Black History Month in Sumter City. The proclamation cites the city’s historically black institutions and leaders and commits the city to educational and cultural programs that honor those contributions.

Why it matters: The recognitions spotlight public‑safety personnel and longtime civic leaders and were paired with a formal municipal proclamation to acknowledge historical contributions and ongoing community partnerships.

The meeting moved on to regular business after the presentations; council later took votes on budget and development items.