KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WCHS) — A retired Kanawha County deputy was named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year at the 42nd Director’s Honorary Awards, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

Lt. Brent Borchers was one of two law enforcement members to receive the USMS’ highest award, which honors employees, responders and citizens who demonstrate exemplary performance in support of the agency’s missions, according to an agency news release.

“West Virginia is fortunate to have a low crime rate compared to the rest of the country,” said U.S. Marshal Michael Baylous. “That is in part the direct result of outstanding officers like Lieutenant Borchers and close interagency partnerships like the one the United States Marshals Service has with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.”

Borchers worked for the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office for 24 years, commanding the Warrant Division. He was assigned to the U.S. Marshals’ Southern District of West Virginia CUFFED Task Force, a role he has held since 2016. He also served on the department’s bomb disposal squad, the agency said.

Borchers was involved in many major operations in southern West Virginia and is responsible for the arrest of over 3,000 serious criminals.

“It was a great day to be in Washington DC and witness Lieutenant Borcher being honored by the United States Marshals Service for his hard work and dedication. I am very proud of Lt. Borchers!”

Borchers retired from his position as sheriff of Kanawha County on August 1.