Corporal Josh Blinkey has served with the Easley Police Department for six years, spending much of his career working closely with students, families, and educators as a School Resource Officer. With experience at the elementary, middle, and high school levels—primarily in middle and high schools—Josh has seen firsthand the impact substance use can have on young people and the community. He brings a strong passion for education, prevention, and service to the SAFEline Division, where he builds trusted relationships and collaborates with schools, parents, faith-based organizations, and local nonprofits. Through outreach, education, and partnership, he helps connect individuals and families with prevention resources and promotes informed, healthy choices related to drug and opioid prevention.
Officer Ron Winegard began his law enforcement career with the Easley Police Department in 1994, serving as a patrol officer until 1998. He continued his commitment to public service with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, where he worked as a Game Warden from 1998 to 2020, retiring after 26 years of combined law enforcement service. In 2025, Ron returned to law enforcement with the Easley Police Department as a School Resource Officer, working closely with students and staff at Gettys Middle School and Lakes and Bridges Charter School. Through this role, he has focused on building positive relationships with young people and supporting prevention education efforts. He joined the SAFEline Division in December 2025, where he helps advance youth engagement, community outreach, and drug and opioid prevention education.
Prevention Specialist Emma Forrester has dedicated the past three years to the field of prevention, focusing on reducing substance abuse and improving public health outcomes. She began her career at Behavioral Health Services of Pickens County, where she worked for two years before joining the Easley Police Department. Emma is a Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS), trained to address substance use and related public health concerns through education, community-based programming, and evidence-based interventions. Throughout her work, she has collaborated with a wide range of community partners, including nonprofits, public health agencies, and law enforcement organizations across South Carolina. Originally from Ontario, Canada, Emma earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Wilfrid Laurier University, with minors in Women and Gender Studies and Religion and Culture. Her academic background, combined with her cross-cultural perspective, informs her approach to prevention and community engagement.
Prevention Specialist Emma Forrester has dedicated the past three years to the field of prevention, focusing on reducing substance abuse and improving public health outcomes. She began her career at Behavioral Health Services of Pickens County, where she worked for two years before joining the Easley Police Department. Emma is a Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS), trained to address substance use and related public health concerns through education, community-based programming, and evidence-based interventions. Throughout her work, she has collaborated with a wide range of community partners, including nonprofits, public health agencies, and law enforcement organizations across South Carolina. Originally from Ontario, Canada, Emma earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Wilfrid Laurier University, with minors in Women and Gender Studies and Religion and Culture. Her academic background, combined with her cross-cultural perspective, informs her approach to prevention and community engagement.
