Iredell County deputy named top juvenile officer in North Carolina

STATESVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — An Iredell County deputy was named the Lieutenant Williams Officer of the Year. 

Deputy Travis Lewis was presented the award this week by the North Carolina Juvenile Officers Association. Sheriff Darren Campbell says it highlights Lewis’ “outstanding service and unwavering dedication to the youth of Iredell County.” 

“Deputy Lewis represents the highest standards of service, mentorship, and commitment that we value here at the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office,” Campbell said. “His work has positively shaped hundreds of young lives, and we are grateful for his leadership.” 

Lewis began his career with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office in 2006 as a school resource officer. He spent two years at East Iredell Middle School, followed by 12 years at North Iredell Middle School, and now serves at North Iredell High School. 
 
In his current role, Lewis is joined daily by his canine partner, Raider. This specially trained K9 deputy enhances school safety and supports him in building relationships with students and staff. 

Lewis is certified through the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to teach hunter education, black powder safety, boater safety and archery education. Ten years ago, he founded the Outdoors Team, which annually consists of 50 middle and high school students who compete at the district level and move on to state-level competitions. 
 
Seven years ago, Lewis launched the Archery in the School program, which teaches instinctive archery with compound bows (no sights). Last school year, about 30 high school and 15 middle school students participated.