On a somber Tuesday in Newberry County, the law enforcement community suffered a profound loss. SLED K9 Coba, a four-year-old Belgian Malinois mix, was killed in the line of duty while serving alongside Special Agent Richard “Cole” Powell. This tragic event underscores the inherent dangers faced by our K9 units and the urgent need for enhanced legal protections, such as those proposed in Hyco & Fargo’s Law (most recently House Bill 3247).
The Incident
K9 Coba’s death occurred during a high-risk operation to serve a fugitive felony warrant in the Prosperity area. As deputies and SLED agents approached the suspect, who was hiding inside a family member’s home, the suspect opened fire. K9 Coba bravely confronted the armed individual but was fatally shot. Deputies returned fire, injuring the suspect, who was subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment. Several deputies sustained minor injuries in the encounter.
Governor Henry McMaster expressed his condolences, stating, “Today, we tragically lost SLED K9 Agent Coba in the line of duty during the apprehension of an armed subject in Newberry County. We are grateful for our K9s, their handlers, and all our law enforcement officers who put their lives at risk each and every day.”
The Call for Hyco & Fargo’s Law
The passing of K9 Coba is not an isolated incident but a stark reminder of the perils faced by K9 officers. It highlights the critical need for the passage of Hyco & Fargo’s Law . This legislation aims to provide enhanced protection and justice for K9 units injured or killed in the line of duty.
Named in honor of K9 officers Hyco and Fargo, who also lost their lives while protecting our communities, this bill proposes stricter penalties for those who harm law enforcement animals. By enacting this law, we can ensure that perpetrators face significant consequences, thereby deterring such heinous acts in the future.
Legislative Process and Next Steps
Unfortunately, House Bill 3247 was not passed during the last legislative session and will need to be reintroduced in the next session. The process for a bill to become law in South Carolina involves several steps, including introduction, committee review, and approvals by both legislative chambers, followed by the governor’s signature. This bill will once again go through these stages, and its success will depend on continued support from lawmakers and the public.
Honoring K9 Coba’s Service
K9 Coba joined SLED in 2021 and quickly became an invaluable member of the team, living and working with Special Agent Powell. His dedication and bravery were evident in every mission, and his loss is deeply felt across the law enforcement community. Details regarding a memorial service will be announced by SLED in due course, providing an opportunity for the community to honor Coba’s sacrifice.
A Collective Responsibility
As we mourn the loss of K9 Coba, we must also take collective action to support the passage of Hyco & Fargo’s Law. This legislation is essential to safeguard our K9 officers, who play a crucial role in law enforcement operations. Their protection ensures the safety of their handlers and the broader community they serve.
We urge lawmakers, law enforcement officials, and the public to advocate for House Bill 3247 when it is reintroduced. By doing so, we can honor the memory of K9 Coba and all fallen K9 officers, ensuring their sacrifices are not in vain.
Let us stand united in our commitment to protecting those who protect us. The passage of Hyco & Fargo’s Law is a step towards a safer and more just society for all.
