Columbia, South Carolina – September 13, 2025

On Saturday, September 13, 2025, members of the South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police gathered in Columbia for our biennial Mini-Conference. Delegates and lodge leaders came together to hear reports, conduct business, recognize outstanding service, and chart the course for the year ahead.

Distinguished Guests

Elected Leaders engaging with FOP Delegates at the Mini-Conference 2025

We were honored to welcome several guests who share our commitment to public safety and law enforcement. Representative Mark Smith, currently serving District 99 in the South Carolina House and a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, addressed the delegation. David Pascoe, First Circuit Solicitor and candidate for South Carolina Attorney General, also spoke. Congressman Ralph Norman, who represents South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District and is seeking the office of Governor, joined us. Finally, Attorney General Alan Wilson, a long-standing advocate for law enforcement and also a gubernatorial candidate, offered his remarks.

Awards & Recognition

Senator Brian Adams accepting the SCFOP Legislator of the Year Award.

Each Mini-Conference provides an opportunity to honor those who make a difference for law enforcement. This year’s Legislator of the Year Award was presented to Senator Brian Adams. His determination advanced the HALO bill and the K9 Protection bill, both of which are vital to officer safety and public trust.

We also proudly recognized our own membership:

Lodge of the Year was awarded to Anderson FOP Lodge #10 for their dedication, innovation, and community engagement.
The Adrian Bost Member of the Year Award was presented to John Blackmon, honoring his leadership and service to the Order.

Reports from Officers and Committees

Officer reports were presented and accepted as information, covering financial, administrative, and fraternal matters.

Committee reports provided updates on major initiatives:

Legislative Committee: Updates on the Move Over Law press conference in Blythewood, certification of out-of-state officers, and efforts to support a pension cost-of-living adjustment.
Training Committee: Reported on the success of this year’s Critical Incident Seminars and plans to host them again next year.
Membership Committee: Shared recruitment efforts, including setting up as a vendor at the National Interdiction Conference and exploring participation in the Gang Conference.
Fundraising Committee: Initiatives included a new challenge coin, the ongoing 50/50 raffle, and evaluation of professional fundraising opportunities.
Legal Defense Committee: Reported on updates to the Critical Incident Card and anticipated price increases.
Memorial Committee: Announced plans to host a candlelight vigil at the Law Enforcement Monument on the Statehouse Grounds on May 6, 2026 in the evening.

Several lodges also shared their local activities. Highlights included Anderson Lodge #10’s Memorial Service in May, York Lodge #15’s highway memorials for four fallen Rock Hill Police Department officers, and Spartan Lodge #32’s Sheriff’s Candidate Q&A session.

Unfinished Business

Progress continues on the creation of the South Carolina FOP Foundation. All required documents have been submitted, state approval has been secured, and IRS approval is pending.

Reports from the National FOP Conference were also shared. These included training sessions on representing members and labor standards, partnership meetings with key sponsors, and discussions with national leaders on recruitment, disaster relief, legal defense, and upcoming initiatives.

New Business

Delegates considered and discussed several proposed bylaw changes, covering updates to procedures, delegate entitlements, political endorsement processes, and other operational matters.

The Southern States FOP Conference will be held February 5–8, 2026 in North Charleston at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Airport Hotel & Convention Center. Thirteen states will come together with one mission: supporting our law enforcement officers.

Finally, the body discussed future state conference hosting proposals. Any lodge wishing to submit a proposal will need to present its bid at the January 24, 2026 Board of Directors meeting.

Looking Ahead

The Mini-Conference closed with a reminder of our purpose: to lead with boldness, protect the rights and safety of our members, and strengthen the voice of law enforcement across South Carolina.

Note: This overview is provided to keep members informed. It is not a substitute for the official minutes of the meeting.