Every day, law enforcement officers risk their lives and well-being in their work keeping Upstate communities safe. Local nonprofit LEAD Upstate honors the dedication of police from across Greenville County on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
This year’s event, LEAD 2025, will be held at the Greenville Downtown Airport Sept. 19 from 6-9 a.m.
“LEAD (Law Enforcement Appreciation Day) is always an incredible reminder of just how much our community values law enforcement,” said Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis. “It means a lot to see the support, but what makes it truly special is watching some of our deputies and officers from other departments come through the line with their families — seeing their loved ones witness firsthand that their sacrifices are appreciated by the community. That kind of gratitude goes a long way.”
Event host LEAD Upstate welcomes partnerships and contributions from the community to make the day special, said Seabrook Marchant, founder.
“LEAD Upstate is the biggest ‘thank you’ event for local law enforcement in South Carolina,” Marchant said. “We work all year for this one day to show gratitude for what they do every day.”
Founded in 2015, the nonprofit began by hosting breakfasts honoring officers. As the number of participants grew, LEAD Upstate evolved into a drive-thru event serving over 650 officers from nine agencies: Greenville, Fountain Inn, Greer, Mauldin, Simpsonville and Travelers Rest police, South Carolina Highway Patrol Group 3 Headquarters, SLED Law Enforcement, and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Department.
“There’s no such thing as a routine traffic stop,” said Billy Crank, longtime member of the LEAD Upstate committee. “As the Greenville area continues to grow, we want to ensure that we stay strong in our support of the law enforcement community.”
Officers drive through a line of appreciation, receiving breakfast and gifts.Officers drive through a line of appreciation receiving coffee, a Chick-fil-A biscuit, Pepsi products, a commemorative T-shirt, a LEAD Upstate challenge coin, and a Valor Bag containing gifts specifically selected for members of the law enforcement community.
In the days leading up to the event, drawings are held for a variety of prizes. Favorites include a BMW Driving Experience on the company’s track, family fun packs to the movies or Frankie’s Fun Park, grills, large-screen televisions, gift cards to local restaurants, grocery stores or Amazon, and overnight stays in local hotels with dinner included. Local businesses, groups and individuals can participate by donating money or gifts.
Brenda Stewart, marketing director for LEAD, said that last year over 1,000 officers signed up for the drawings, and the organization expects more this year.
“We like to have a mix of fun, splurge gifts and practical items that they can use toward everyday needs of their family,” she said.
Stewart said business and community support for the event continues to grow, displaying the spirit of giving and appreciation that makes Greenville an incredible place to live, work and play.
CPI Security is the presenting sponsor for LEAD 2025 and the Community Foundation of Greenville is one of several premier sponsors. To donate or explore sponsorship options, visit leadupstate.com or contact Brenda Stewart at info@leadupstate.com.
Visit cfgreenville.org to learn more about the Community Foundation of Greenville.
