The Memorial...We Must Never Forget

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame Memorial Room, located in the rotunda, is dedicated to those men and women who have given their lives in service to the people of the state of South Carolina. The first officer recognized is Robert Maxwell, sheriff of the old Washington District in the upstate region of the state. Sheriff Maxwell was ambushed on his way to court in 1797. He is followed by more than 400 officers, from all over the state and many different agencies, ranging up to the present time.

To be considered for induction an officer must be nominated by the head of the South Carolina law enforcement agency for which they worked. Federal officers assigned to South Carolina are also eligible. They must have been a Class I Certified officer and, at the time of his/her death, been operating in an "active on-duty" capacity, or have died as a result of the lingering effects of an on-duty injury.

Nominations are reviewed and approved by a committee composed of the leaders of the largest law enforcement organizations in the state: Director, S.C. Department of Public Safety; Chief, State Law Enforcement Division (SLED); Director, S.C. Department of Corrections; Deputy Director, Law Enforcement Division, S.C. Department of Natural Resources; Executive Director, S.C. Police Chief's Association; Executive Director, S.C. Law Enforcement Officers Association; Secretary, S.C. Sheriff's Association.

Once a nomination is approved, the officer is formally inducted at the Annual Memorial Room Induction Ceremony held the first Wednesday in May each year. Family, friends and fellow officers are invited to attend the ceremony. At that time a plaque honoring each new inductee is added to the wall of the rotunda and will remain there in perpetuity.

There is no time limit for when an officer may be nominated to the Hall of Fame Memorial Room. If you know of an officer who you believe would qualify for induction, but may have been overlooked in the past, please contact the Hall of Fame. It is our goal to honor EVERY South Carolina law enforcement officer who has made the supreme sacrifice for their fellow citizens.