Each May, Police Week is observed across the United States as a dedicated period to honor law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and to recognize those who continue to serve. In South Carolina, this week is marked by coordinated observances across the state, bringing together agencies, families, and communities in a shared act of remembrance.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed legislation establishing May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and designating the calendar week in which it falls as National Police Week. That framework continues to guide how this week is observed at every level. In South Carolina, both the House and Senate have formally recognized Police Week by resolution, affirming its importance to the state and to the law enforcement profession.

The Fraternal Order of Police plays a central role in that observance. Since its founding in 1915, the FOP has helped lead national recognition of Police Week while supporting officers and their families year-round. Here in South Carolina, the South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police remains actively engaged in ensuring that the service and sacrifice of fallen officers are honored with consistency, dignity, and purpose.

That responsibility is shaped by the realities of the past year.

Across South Carolina, officers have lost their lives in the line of duty under circumstances that reflect the risks present in every aspect of the profession. These incidents occurred during traffic stops, responses to calls for service, and while operating on the state’s roadways. Each loss is felt far beyond the moment it occurs.

Trooper Dennis Ricks

South Carolina Highway Patrol
End of Watch: August 13, 2025

Trooper Dennis Ricks was critically injured during a traffic stop on Interstate 26 near mile marker 166 in Orangeburg County in the early morning hours of August 10, 2025. After initiating the stop, he was walking back toward his patrol vehicle when he was struck by a passing box truck.

He was transported to Trident Medical Center in North Charleston with severe injuries, including traumatic brain injury and multiple internal injuries. Despite continued medical care, he succumbed to those injuries three days later.

Trooper Ricks had served with the South Carolina Highway Patrol for nearly two years. He is survived by his wife.

Deputy Sheriff Devin Mason

Darlington County Sheriff’s Office
End of Watch: July 1, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Devin Mason was killed while responding to a call for service in Darlington County during the early morning hours. On arrival, deputies located a woman with outstanding warrants outside the residence and took her into custody. While continuing the investigation inside the home, deputies encountered resistance from a suspect who was hiding within.

As Deputy Mason approached a closed bathroom door, the suspect opened fire. Deputies returned fire during the exchange. Deputy Mason was mortally wounded at the scene. Another deputy was injured and transported to the hospital in stable condition.

Deputy Mason had recently completed field training and had served with the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office for just over three months. He is survived by his son, his mother, his stepfather, and his fiancée.

Deputy Sheriff Nate Ansay

Florence County Sheriff’s Office
End of Watch: March 31, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Nate Ansay was killed in a vehicle crash while on duty in Florence County. The collision occurred on U.S. Highway 301 near Effingham during the afternoon hours, when his patrol vehicle was involved in a head-on crash with another vehicle.

Deputy Ansay was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The other driver was also hospitalized.

Deputy Ansay had served with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office for over one year.

These officers are remembered not only for the circumstances of their deaths but also for their commitment to serve. Their absence is carried forward by their families, by the agencies they served, and by fellow officers who continue the work each day.

Observances across South Carolina began earlier this month with memorial events in Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, and Colleton Counties, as well as at the Statehouse in Columbia. These ceremonies, supported and attended by members of the South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police, set the tone for a week of remembrance that continues across the state.

Additional observances will take place in the days ahead:

May 13 – York County Police Honor and Memorial Service at 11:30 AM
First Baptist Church of Rock Hill, Rock Hill

May 14 – Charleston Metro FOP Lodge #5 Memorial Prayer Service at 11:00 AM
Brittlebank Park, Charleston

These events bring together officers, families, and community members to honor the fallen in a setting that reflects both respect and unity. The South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police, through its local lodges and statewide leadership, continues to support and participate in these observances to ensure that each name is remembered.

Police Week in South Carolina is also connected to national observances in Washington, D.C., where members of the Fraternal Order of Police and survivors from across the country gather for the Candlelight Vigil, the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service, and related events. South Carolina will be represented among them, standing in solidarity with the broader law enforcement community.

While these ceremonies are concentrated within a single week, the responsibility they reflect does not end when the events conclude. Law enforcement officers across South Carolina continue to report for duty, respond to calls, and serve their communities with the understanding that risk remains part of the profession. Police Week brings that reality into focus while providing a structured time to recognize those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police stands with those families, with the agencies represented across this state, and with every officer who continues to serve. The responsibility to remember is not symbolic. It is carried forward in how we honor their lives, support those they left behind, and continue the work they began.

Let us never forget.