Special to IFN

Iredell County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Travis Lewis has been honored as the Lieutenant Williams Officer of the Year by the N.C. Juvenile Officers Association.

This recognition highlights Deputy Lewis’s outstanding service and 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,” Sheriff Darren Campbell said. “His work has positively shaped hundreds of young lives, and we are grateful for his leadership.”

Lewis began his career with the ICSO 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, Deputy Lewis is joined daily by his canine partner, Raider. This specially trained canine deputy enhances school safety and supports Lewis in building relationships with students and staff.

Lewis is certified through the N.C. 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 in rifle, shotgun, and archery events. 

Seven years ago, Lewis launched the Archery in the School program, which teaches instinctive archery with compound bows (no sights). For the 2024–2025 school year, about 30 high school and 15 middle school students participated. He has also helped expand this program to six other schools within the Iredell-Statesville Schools. For the past three years, students under his guidance have advanced to the national competition. He is supported in this effort by Adrian Bustle, head coach at North Iredell High School.