South Carolina Sheriff's Deputy is Chosen as America's Most Wanted All-Star Finalist

Ambushed By Armed Suspect, He Remained Calm Under Fire

A sheriff's deputy from South Carolina whose quick thinking and steadiness under fire brought down a dangerous suspect has been chosen by the public as the latest weekly finalist in the 2008 America's Most Wanted All-Star Contest, sponsored by Sprint.

Eighteen years of law enforcement experience has taught Sergeant Randy Botten, of the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office, how to deal with almost any situation. His training and skills were put to the test last August, when he responded to a silent house alarm and was ambushed by an armed suspect with a violent criminal history. The suspect jumped from his vehicle and opened fire on Sgt. Botten. The veteran lawman returned the fire, striking the gunman in the arm and ending the threat.

Randy Botten's brave actions that day have already been recognized with the "Officer of the Year 2007" award from the Elks Lodge. Now, he's become the seventh of eight weekly finalists to be chosen by the public in the AMW All-Star Contest, which honors the nation's first responders. Any first responder, such as police officer, firefighter or EMT, is eligible for the contest, and any member of the public can vote for their favorite first responder online at AMW.com.

Each weekly finalist will be profiled on America's Most Wanted (Saturdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT, 8 p.m. CT on FOX). In May, through online voting, the public will choose the grand prize winner. AMW Host John Walsh will present the 2008 AMW All-Star winner with a check for $10,000 at the NASCAR SPRINT Cup Series� All-Star Race at Lowe�s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Members of the public can vote for their favorite All-Stars once a day, every day. Finalist voting runs until April 13 at midnight, and the Grand Prize winner voting will run from April 17 to May 6.

Contact:
Steve Katz
skatz@amw.com