Five Officers Inducted Into The South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall Of Fame

Wed, 05/03/2023

Hall

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame, a division of the SC Department of Public Safety, formally inducted five law enforcement officers today.

This year’s ceremony recognized five officers from around the state, with one being a historical inductee dating back to 1918. Of the officers inducted into the Hall of Fame for 2022, three were shot and killed in the line of duty, one died from complications from COVID-19, and one died from a medical emergency during a training exercise.

“This ceremony marks a time where we can come together with the families and departments of our fallen officers and remember them for the heroes they are,” said SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods, IV. “As we formally induct each of these officers into the SC Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame, we are reminded of their selfless dedication and their courage in the face of danger. I am humbled by their honor and their sacrifice.”

Today’s ceremony brings the total number of South Carolina officers who are honored in the Hall of Fame Memorial Room to 423.

To view the complete program from Wednesday’s ceremony, click here.

**Additional photos of today’s ceremony will be added to the DPS Facebook page and the DPS Flickr Album.

Tobias R. Penninger LODD Sept. 30, 1918

  Town Marshal Tobias R. Penninger
  Sharon Police Department (York County)
  End of Watch: September 30, 1918
  (Shooting death)

Deputy First Class John Berry III

  Deputy First Class John W. Berry, III
  Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office
  End of Watch: September 19, 2021
  (COVID-19)

Corporal Drew Barr

  Corporal Roy A. “Drew” Barr, Jr.
  Cayce Police Department
  End of Watch: April 24, 2022
  (Shooting death)

Deputy First Class Austin Aldridge

  Deputy First Class Austin D. Aldridge
  Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office
  End of Watch: June 21, 2022
  (Shooting death)

Master Officer Tyrell Owens-Riley

  Master Police Officer Tyrell A. Owens-Riley
  Columbia Police Department
  End of Watch: September 24, 2022
  (Medical emergency during training)

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors.