The Clemson University Police Department (CUPD) received the statewide 2025 Luther Reynolds DUI Enforcement Hero Agency of the Year Award at the MADD South Carolina Law Enforcement Recognition Dinner and Training Symposium on Thursday, April 30.
The recognition is awarded annually to an agency that demonstrates a strong commitment to reducing impaired driving through enforcement, education, and prevention efforts.
“CUPD is honored to receive this award,” said Lt. Matthew Prisco. “This achievement is a direct result of a true team effort—from our dispatchers to the officers working the road, and everyone in between. Each role played a critical part in making this possible.”
The award is named after former Charleston Police Department Chief Luther Reynolds, who passed away in 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. Reynolds was passionate about DUI enforcement, coming from his time with the Montgomery County Police Department, where an officer was killed in the line of duty by a drunk driver in 2015.
“This honor is a direct reflection of the work of our entire team but is particularly special for me,” said Chief of Police Jason Bruder. “I served as Luther Reynolds’s Chief of Staff while he was the Chief at Charleston PD. He was truly a remarkable Chief and an even better person. He was extremely passionate about DUI enforcement and spoke often about it. I am proud to have our department be associated with Chief Reynolds in this way.”
CUPD conducted three AET operations in partnership with the City of Clemson and SLED, as well as a joint checkpoint operation between South Carolina and North Carolina. CUPD also participated in multiple traffic safety campaigns—including the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer and Sober or Slammer—and participated in MADD’s Saturation Saturday.
In addition, CUPD led 25 alcohol-related training and education sessions, reaching approximately 1,500 individuals, and launched a safety pledge campaign encouraging our community to never drink and drive and to always choose a safe way home.
The award marks the fourth straight year that CUPD has been honored for its DUI enforcement efforts. The department was named the Agency of the Year for DUI enforcement for its agency size by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety from 2022-24. CUPD also earned the 2023-24 13th Circuit Alcohol Enforcement Team (AET) Agency of the Year for Pickens County.
Additionally, Officer Natalie Thompson, who accepted this award on CUPD’s behalf, was named the statewide Officer of the Year for DUI enforcement efforts for the department’s agency size in 2025. She was also honored as the statewide Rookie of the Year for her efforts related to DUI enforcement and anti-underage drinking programs in 2024.
