IRMO — An Irmo police officer has been named a finalist for the Greg Alia Award, a statewide honor recognizing excellence in community engagement and service.
The Irmo Police Department announced that Corporal Christopher Stokes is among the finalists for the award, which was established by the nonprofit Serve & Connect to honor the legacy of Forest Acres Police Officer Greg Alia, who was killed in the line of duty in 2015.
The award recognizes law enforcement officers who demonstrate compassion, dignity and a commitment to serving their communities.
Stokes, a 13-year veteran of the Irmo Police Department and a retired sergeant from the Columbia Police Department, currently serves in the department’s Community Services Division.
“What Corporal Stokes does every day is what you don’t hear about in the news,” Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale said. “The late Greg Alia used to say that for every bad story you hear about law enforcement, there are millions of good stories that go unseen. Stokes carries that legacy forward.”
According to the department, Stokes has assisted residents in need by using personal funds to help with emergency vehicle repairs and other urgent expenses. He also mentors youth in the community, including leading a “Dining with Table Manners and Etiquette Course” designed to teach confidence, social skills and personal responsibility.
“He helps people because he believes it is the right thing to do — not because anyone is watching,” Lt. Andrea Grinstead, who submitted the nomination, said.
The recipient of the Greg Alia Award will be announced at the upcoming Serve & Connect Illuminight gala.
