GCS Dedicates School Security Center Honoring Sgt. William Conley Jumper, Jr.
Greenville County Schools officially dedicated its School Security Center on Monday, October 20, in honor of Sergeant William Conley Jumper, Jr., a beloved member of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office who devoted nearly three decades to protecting the community and its schools.
Chair Dr. Carolyn Styles welcomed everyone on behalf of the GCS Board of Trustees. The ceremony included remarks from Sheriff Hobart Lewis, Deputy Cat Jumper, daughter of Sgt. Jumper, and Dr. W. Burke Royster, Superintendent of Greenville County Schools.
During the program, speakers reflected on Sgt. Jumper’s life of service, courage and commitment to ensuring the safety of others.
“To all who pass through the doors of this Center, whether School Security, Sheriff’s Office or others - let us be forever reminded not just of the ultimate sacrifice that Jumper made but let us be challenged to carry out our duties, responsibilities and lives in a manner that emulates his example,” said Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster.
The ceremony marked the fifth anniversary of Sgt. Jumper’s passing.
“Despite this incredible loss,” said Deputy Cat Jumper, “I have found immense comfort in knowing that his legacy and the Jumper name has not been forgotten by the Greenville community.”
“It is a day that brings back the pain of that loss,” said Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis, “but also reminds us of the incredible legacy he left behind.”
The School Security Center serves as the district’s hub for training, coordination and emergency response, supporting GCS’s mission to provide safe, secure environments for learning and growth. The Center’s dedication affirms the district’s and law enforcement’s shared commitment to protecting every student and staff member, a reflection of Sgt. Jumper’s enduring legacy of courage and service.
About Sgt. William Conley Jumper, Jr.
Sgt. Jumper was a dedicated law enforcement canine officer who served the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina for 28 years, and the School Enforcement Division for 10 years.
Born in Spartanburg, Sergeant Jumper was the son of William Conley Jumper, Sr. and Joanne Graham Jumper. He is a 1992 graduate of the University of South Carolina Upstate and the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.
During the course of his tenure, Sergeant Jumper earned two Distinguished Service Awards, the 2019 Largest Street-Level Drug Seizure Award from the National Criminal Enforcement Association, the prestigious Russ Sorrow Award given by Crime Stoppers of Greenville County, a Letter of Commendation from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for hundreds of narcotic trafficking investigations, special recognition from Superintendent Burke Royster for his work in the School Enforcement Division, and numerous certifications from the North American Police Work Dog Association.
He posthumously received the Medal of Valor, along with his Interdiction Team for the events that led to his line-of-duty death.
Sergeant Jumper was also a Task Force Officer for Homeland Security and built his distinguished career marked by courage, commitment, and service to the residents of Greenville. He is remembered as a devoted husband of 25 years to Sarah Beth Cortese Jumper and a loving father to their daughter, Catherine Elizabeth Anne “Cat” Jumper, who is also a law enforcement officer. Sergeant Jumper shared strong bonds with his loyal and courageous K-9 partners—Tango, Vinnie, Rixs and Vito.