The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department’s captain of public information has earned the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s highest certification for public information officers.

Capt. Adam Myrick completed three weeks of study at the Homeland Security Department’s Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and a nine-month research project to earn the Master Public Information Officer certification.

“Capt. Myrick’s completion of this communications leadership program will benefit the department as we continue our efforts to keep the public informed about our cases and programs,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said.

“His strategic approach to sharing agency news and information has already strengthened our relationships with residents and media outlets.”

Myrick is one of approximately 60 public information officers in the nation to attain the master certification.

Myrick joined the Sheriff’s Department as public information officer in June 2015. In his role as PIO, Myrick is responsible for media relations, social media, strategic communications and issues management.