Oconee Co. deputy awarded prestigious honor, overcomes life threatening injury
OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – A deputy who survived a life-threatening injury received an award from the National Association of Police Organizations on Wednesday.
Family, local leaders, and law enforcement honored an Corporal Lucas Watts, who was shot in the line of duty.
Watts was shot in November 2023 when trying to make a traffic stop.
'The night of the shooting, we were not 100% sure how else things were going to turn out, and we knew it didn't look good,' Watts said. 'It shows you that God has a way of deciding things that man does not decide.'
Watts spent several months in the hospital, fighting for his life. On Wednesday, he stood in front of the crowd to receive a 'Top Cops' award, a prestigious honor from the National Association of Police Organizations.
'We've seen his little boy, Eli, running around today and that gives us hope,' said Congresswoman Sheri Biggs, Third Congressional District South Carolina. 'I know he was fighting hard to rehabilitate from his injuries to be here with his wife and his son. That speaks volumes about his love for his family.'
Biggs presented Watts with a letter from Governor Henry McMaster, recognizing Watts' bravery.
Biggs gave Watts a challenge coin.
'As a US congresswoman, I have my own challenge coins,' said Biggs. 'I try to save those for special occasions. Today is absolutely a special occasion as we celebrate his resiliency and ability to come through on this event.'
Watts was also given a flag that was flown over the United States Capital.
'I hope that will signify why he did the work that he did and put himself out there in the line of duty to protect us,' said Biggs.
'I think if you take a look at Lucas as he's progressed from that day, every day, it just seems to me he's getting better and better,' Watts said. 'We're grateful for that. He's not only a brother who wears a blue uniform, as you saw today, but he's also a friend to all of us, actually more like family.'
The Oconee County Sheriff's Office said Watts is still recovering. His family appreciates the love and support the community has shown for the past year and a half.
'The bottom line is that we just continue to support him, lift his family and his friends up in prayer and support,' said Watt.
Last year, Watts was awarded the 'Governor's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year' award.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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