Cayce-West Columbia News

Sheriff Lott holds memorial service for fallen deputies (Page 173)

The wreath-laying ceremony begins National Police Week for RCSD

By W. Thomas Smith Jr.

The families of fallen deputies gathered at the gates of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) headquarters’ memorial garden for a special service honoring the families’ deceased loved ones, Monday, May 15, the date officially designated Police Officer Memorial Day by Pres. John F. Kennedy in 1962.

The RCSD-specific service, which included a wreath-laying ceremony inside the garden, was presided over by Sheriff Leon Lott and included music, prayers, a formation of smartly uniformed deputies, and a rifle-bearing honor guard presenting colors to the solemn beat of a single drum.

“Today is a very special day,” said Lott. “In Washington, they have a big wall inscribed with the names we have here on our wall, and they will have a big event. But I wanted us to do something here because today is about you all – the family members. It’s about letting you know that your loved one is not forgotten and that they will never be forgotten by us. They were all very special to all of us.”

Lott added “I was very fortunate in that I had the opportunity to work with everyone whose name is on this wall except for one. So I had the honor of knowing them personally… knowing how dedicated they were, the commitment that they made, and how much they loved wearing this uniform.”

Lott pointed to several recent additions and improvements made to the memorial garden which includes nightly illuminated flagpoles and a permanent seating area with a specially designed wrought-iron bench next to the existing memorial wall inscribed with the names of the fallen. The flagpoles and bench were part of Eagle Scout projects by Midlands-based Boy Scouts.

“You are all part of our Richland County Sheriff’s Department family, and you will always be part of our family,” said Lott. “You are families that we love and care about, and I promise you as we stand here today we will never forget your loved ones.”

Master Deputy Summer Pearrow sang the national anthem, and Deputy Chief Maria Yturria read the names of each fallen deputy including their end-of-watch dates.

“These are not just names,” said Lott. “Like each one of you here today, these are people we loved. We cared for them. We will continue to love them, and we will continue to love and care for you.”

RCSD Chaplain Chris Hutnyak delivered the benediction, and Captain Chris Duke formally laid the wreath, positioning it on a stand within the garden, after which Sheriff Lott began escorting the family members through the garden gate.

Sheriff Lott holds memorial service for fallen deputies

On: May 16, 2023

In: Public Safety

The wreath-laying ceremony begins National Police Week for RCSD By W. Thomas Smith Jr. The families of fallen deputies gathered at the gates ofContinue Reading

Fort Jackson involved with a couple of events for Memorial Day

On: May 16, 2023

In: Events

Fort Jackson has representation at several events for Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the U.S. for remembering the people who diedContinue Reading

Columbia to hold a public Touch-A-Truck Event

On: May 15, 2023

In: Events

Columbia’s Public Works Department, in conjunction with Soda City, will be inviting various departments to join them and place their vehicles on display for theContinue Reading

Tickets on sale for 52 Windows

On: May 15, 2023

In: Events

Tickets are now on sale for 52 Windows: An Evening of Art to Benefit Mirci. 52 Windows will be held from 6 – 9 pmContinue Reading

Memories Of Zebco Reels & Red Wrigglers

On: May 15, 2023

In: Community News

By Tom Poland Blue-Collar Writer I drive west, Georgia bound, and pass it yet again, a place that pulls at my heart. My father hadContinue Reading

New lake development goes on sale June 17

On: May 13, 2023

In: Business

A new development on Lake Murray, WhiteWater Landing, will be offering a one-day-only Pre-Construction Lake Lot Sale June 17 (rain or shine), future residents canContinue Reading

Palmetto Citizens announces changes in financial division

On: May 13, 2023

In: Business

Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union has announced the appointments of three roles within their Financial Division: Michael Beam as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and ChiefContinue Reading

Lieutenant Governor to address media and guests at forthcoming SC7 event

On: May 11, 2023

In: Community News

The South Carolina Seven (SC7) Expedition will host its first-of-the-year press event announcing SC7 sponsors, ambassadors, and other key pieces of information about this year’sContinue Reading

Lexington County Veteran’s Affairs Officer is Selected 2023 SC Veterans Service Officer of the Year

On: May 10, 2023

In: Community News, Military

At the County Council meeting on May 9th, 2023, Mr. Ed Lundeen, Veteran’s Affairs Officer for Lexington County was presented with a Resolution recognizing hisContinue Reading

New Lexington County GOP leadership handed the reins

On: May 10, 2023

In: Government

The newly elected Lexington County Republican Party leadership and Executive Committee convened for their first county party meeting since being asked to lead by conventionContinue Reading

A new era for the Lexington County GOP

On: May 10, 2023

In: Letter to Editor

On Saturday, April 22, I was joined by a large, majority delegation of Real America First LCRP members at the biennial Lexington County Republican ConventionContinue Reading

Sheriff Lott holds memorial service for fallen deputies (Page 173)

Sheriff Lott holds memorial service for fallen deputies

Fort Jackson involved with a couple of events for Memorial Day

Columbia to hold a public Touch-A-Truck Event

Tickets on sale for 52 Windows

Memories Of Zebco Reels & Red Wrigglers

New lake development goes on sale June 17

Palmetto Citizens announces changes in financial division

Lieutenant Governor to address media and guests at forthcoming SC7 event

Lexington County Veteran’s Affairs Officer is Selected 2023 SC Veterans Service Officer of the Year

New Lexington County GOP leadership handed the reins

A new era for the Lexington County GOP

Send Us Your News Ideas

Lexington County Council Chairman Todd Cullum named in newspaper’s Power List

Coroner Identifies Victim in Fatal I-26 On-Ramp Crash

Former Red Lobster building in Cayce to be converted into medical offices, according to NAI Columbia

Get in Touch

Call Us