South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police

Georgetown Police Department

SC Fallen Officers – March 9

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Today, we remember Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Phillip Michael Deese, Orangeburg Department of Public Safety Sergeant Howard H. Franklin, and Georgetown Police Department Major Cecil Spencer Guerry.

On this date in 2007, Deputy Phillip Michael Deese was killed in a head-on traffic collision. He was driving westbound on I-26 in an unincorporated part of Dorchester County when a pick-up truck crossed the median, hitting the deputy’s patrol car head-on. The crash killed the deputy, the driver of the pick-up, and Deputy Deese’s K9 partner, Sonja.

On this date in 1917, Sergeant Howard Franklin was shot and killed as he attempted to arrest an escapee wanted for breaking into a residence. The suspect escaped from the jail, stealing two pistols in the process. Sergeant Franklin located the suspect the following morning. As he attempted to arrest the man, he was shot in the chest. He was taken to a hospital in Columbia, South Carolina, by train, where he died on the operating table later in the day.

On this date in 1994, Major Cecil Guerry succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained two days earlier while making a traffic stop. The suspect was arrested approximately two hours after the shooting. He was convicted of murder, sentenced to death, and subsequently executed on March 19th, 2004.

Supporting Georgetown Police Corporal Kay Peterson

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In times of adversity, the strength and resilience of our law enforcement officers shine through. Today, we come together as a community to extend our unwavering support to Georgetown Police Corporal Kay Peterson, who is facing a challenging battle for her health.

Cpl. Peterson, a dedicated officer patrolling the downtown area of Georgetown, has found herself in the intensive care unit, fighting a severe lung infection. Her journey began on her birthday, a day that should have been filled with celebration but took a drastic turn as she was admitted to the hospital and placed on a ventilator.

We are deeply moved by the outpouring of love and concern from the community, highlighting the impact Cpl. Peterson has had on the lives of those she serves. The sense of community that Cpl. Peterson has fostered is evident, with businesses, residents, and visitors all recognizing her commitment to keeping Georgetown safe.

As we stand united in support of Cpl. Peterson, we encourage everyone to keep her in their thoughts and prayers. She is a fighter, and with the collective strength of our community behind her, we believe in her ability to overcome this challenge.

#PrayforKay is a powerful hashtag circulating on social media, reflecting the solidarity of people coming together to send positive energy and strength to Cpl. Peterson. We urge our community to join in using this hashtag, amplifying the message of hope and encouragement.

In addition to the emotional support, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist with Cpl. Peterson’s medical and travel expenses during this difficult time. Your contributions can make a meaningful impact in aiding her recovery. The GoFundMe link is https://gofund.me/fdfdfc40.

Let us come together as a strong and supportive community, demonstrating our appreciation for the sacrifices our law enforcement officers make daily. Cpl. Peterson, we stand with you, and we believe in your strength and resilience. The South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police extends its full support to one of our own, and we are confident that, together, we will see Cpl. Kay Peterson through to a full recovery.