Lexington County Law Enforcement Honors Fallen Officers in Annual Ceremony

Lexington, SC- Lexington’s bravest men and women in blue were honored on Thursday, May 16 at 9:30 a.m. by Lexington County law enforcement agencies. The annual commemoration paid tribute to the county’s law enforcement officers who had made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The poignant event took place at the law enforcement monument on the west lawn of the Marc H. Westbrook Judicial Center, located at 205 E. Main St. in Lexington.

Annual Event Touches Hearts

The annual event has evolved into one of Lexington’s most solemn traditions. Last year’s memorial service reverberated deeply with attendees, as the name of a fallen officer was added to the downtown Lexington memorial that commemorates county officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Cpt. Drew Barr, a Cayce K9 officer, had been tragically gunned down while responding to a domestic violence call on April 24, 2022.

“A memorial like this can help inspire future generations to pursue careers in law enforcement and public service,” remarked Rep. Micah Caskey of District 89, which covers Cayce. He emphasized the role of such ceremonies, stating they “serve as a reminder of the importance of public safety and the role that law enforcement plays in protecting our communities.”

Memorial Amidst Recent Tragedies

The ceremony followed a harrowing incident in Charlotte, N.C. on April 29 where eight officers were shot and four were killed. An individual, armed and dangerous, had opened fire on officers responding to an incident in the North Tryon area. This tragic event underscores the hazardous duties faced by these men and women in uniform every day.

The heartbreaking list of fatalities included Thomas Weeks Jr., William Alden Elliott, and Sam Poloche, who were pronounced deceased at the hospital. Additionally, Officer Joshua Eyer, a 6-year veteran, succumbed to his injuries after a brave fight for his life. CMPD officers Christopher Tolley, Michael Giglio, Jack Blowers, and Justin Campbell were among those injured, further highlighting the dangers that law enforcement officers often face.

Police Week Tribute

The Lexington County memorial service formed a part of the National Police Week. According to the official Police Week website, “National Police Week offers honor, remembrance, and peer support, while allowing law enforcement, survivors, and citizens to gather and pay homage to those who gave their lives in the line of duty.”

The annual ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers contend with daily while protecting their communities. It is a tribute to the officers’ courage and self-sacrifice, and a feat of resilience by the officers’ comrades and community members who continue to honor and remember their fallen colleagues.