COLUMBIA – The Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame held induction ceremonies today for eight South Carolina law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Three of those officers died in 2015. The HOF also inducted five officers from years past. These officers were found to be line-of-duty deaths through research in the past year. 

The Hall of Fame is part of the SC Department of Public Safety and was established by a legislative act in 1974. By that act, its purpose was defined “as a memorial to law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty and in recognition of the selfless dedication of all law enforcement officers in the day-to-day performance of their duties.” 

“Each year, we take a few moments to pause and remember those heroes who gave their lives serving the State of South Carolina,” said SCDPS Director Leroy Smith. “This induction ceremony ensures that the families know that their loved one’s memory and legacy live on.” 

There are now 364 officers who hold a place of honor in the Hall of Fame Memorial Room.

This year, the following officers were inducted:
	Deputy Delton C. Daniels  Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office  August 1, 2015
	Patrolman Gregory T. Alia  Forest Acres Police Department  September 30, 2015
	Master Police Officer Stacy L. Case  Columbia Police Department  November 7, 2015

Deputy US Marshal Madison Franklin Mitchell
US Marshals Service
June 19, 1872

Officer W.A.R. Wilson
Chester Police Department
May 9, 1891 

Deputy US Marshal John D. Kirby
US Marshals Service
March 5, 1896 

Officer James K. Marshall
Chester Police Department
February 7, 1898 

Deputy US Marshal John Franklin Gooding
US Marshals Service
July 18, 1935 

The Hall of Fame is located at 5400 Broad River Road and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is free to the public and group tours are welcome by prior arrangement. 

SCDPS includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, Immigration Enforcement Unit, the Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs and the SC Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. The agency’s mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving South Carolina residents and visitors.