South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police

Rock Hill Police Department

Honoring Chief William S. Rhodes in the Hall of Fame

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Rock Hill Police Chief William S. Rhodes Inducted into the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame

On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame honored six distinguished officers for meritorious service to the state and its citizens. The inductees included Chief William S. Rhodes, Rock Hill Police Department; Sheriff Harold McElveen, Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office; Chief James G. Clyburn, Kingstree Police Department; Chief Robert W. Johnson, Greenwood Police Department; Chief Thomas W. Dantzler, Orangeburg Police Department; and Chief James C. Thompson, Marion Police Department. Each was recognized for a career defined by leadership, integrity, and commitment to the rule of law.

Among these respected leaders, the late Chief William S. Rhodes (d. March 14, 1977) stands as a model of quiet professionalism and enduring influence. The South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police was honored to submit his nomination for induction, ensuring that his service to the Rock Hill Police Department and to the people of South Carolina will be remembered for generations to come.

Chief William S. Rhodes

Chief Rhodes began his law enforcement career in 1936 and went on to serve the Rock Hill community for three decades. In 1954, he was appointed Chief of Police, a role he held until his retirement in 1966. Over this span of thirty years, he guided the department through both routine challenges and times of dramatic change, leaving behind a legacy of stability, professionalism, and forward-thinking leadership. His tenure as Chief was marked not only by steady command but also by his ability to modernize investigative work and strengthen the culture of the agency.

The nomination for his induction highlights his remarkable attention to investigative standards, including early adoption of forensic methods. Records describe him personally conducting ballistic comparisons and setting higher expectations for casework accuracy. These practices influenced the professional culture of his department. His leadership extended beyond the day-to-day, establishing training and accountability measures that outlived his tenure. Officers under his guidance carried those lessons forward, extending his impact well beyond his years in office.

Chief Rhodes’ career embodied the very qualities the Hall of Fame’s Meritorious Service category was created to recognize. His contributions raised the standards of law enforcement statewide, and his influence left an indelible mark on the agency he served. His induction places him among South Carolina’s most accomplished law enforcement leaders, a place he earned through sustained excellence and a lifetime of service.

“Chief Rhodes embodied quiet professionalism, strong leadership, and fidelity to the mission of protecting the people of South Carolina,” said John Blackmon, President of the South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police. “We were proud to submit his nomination to the Hall of Fame. His example reminds every officer that courage is measured not only in critical moments, but in a lifetime of diligent, ethical service.”

The honor bestowed today also reflects on his family and the Rock Hill Police Department, whose officers continue to serve under the high standards he helped establish. His induction is not only a recognition of past service but also a call to current and future officers to lead with integrity and purpose.

The South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police extends our congratulations to the Rhodes family and to the Rock Hill Police Department, as well as to the families and agencies of Sheriff Harold McElveen, Chief James G. Clyburn, Chief Robert W. Johnson, Chief Thomas W. Dantzler, and Chief James C. Thompson. Each inductee represents the very best of South Carolina law enforcement.

Chief William S. Rhodes is remembered for what matters most. He built a professional, capable department, embraced evolving investigative practices, and set expectations for conduct and leadership that endure. His name now stands in the Hall of Fame as a permanent reminder that the highest calling of law enforcement is faithful service to community and state.

Protecting South Carolina’s K9 Heroes

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On a September evening in Rock Hill, police officers responded to a call no family should ever have to make. A woman reported that her partner had chased her through the house with a knife, threatening her life. When officers arrived, the suspect fled. K9 Apollo, a trained police dog, was released to stop him before anyone else could be hurt.

Apollo did his job. He caught the suspect and held him on the ground until officers could move in. But instead of surrendering, the suspect turned his knife on Apollo and stabbed him several times. Only the quick response of other officers and emergency veterinarians saved Apollo’s life. He is expected to recover and return to duty. Read the full story here.

Apollo’s ordeal is not an isolated case. He is one of many police K9s in South Carolina who have been severely injured or killed in the line of duty. These animals are more than assets. They are partners, protectors, and in many cases, lifesavers. When they are attacked, the entire law enforcement team suffers, and the community they serve is put at risk.

Why the Law Must Change

Despite the sacrifices K9s make, South Carolina’s current laws do not provide adequate protection. The penalties for harming a police dog fall short of the seriousness of the crime. Stabbing a law enforcement K9 is not the same as damaging property. It is an assault on an officer who has sworn to serve, just one who happens to walk on four legs instead of two.

Two bills are now before the General Assembly that would correct this failure. House Bill 3034 and Senate Bill 427 are nearly identical measures designed to strengthen protections for police dogs. They increase the penalties for injuring, disabling, or killing a law enforcement K9, and they make clear that an attack on a K9 is an attack on the rule of law itself.

These bills reflect a principle that transcends party lines. They recognize the essential role K9s play in modern policing and the dangers they willingly face. Passing them would put South Carolina alongside other states that already treat violence against police dogs with the gravity it deserves.

More Than a Symbol

For many officers, their K9 is more than a partner on duty. These dogs live with their handlers, train with them, and share in the risks of every shift. They sniff out narcotics, track down fleeing suspects, and locate missing children. They protect officers from ambush and shield citizens from violence. In countless situations, they make the difference between life and death.

When a suspect stabs a K9 like Apollo, it is not just an attack on a dog. It is an attempt to cripple the ability of law enforcement to protect the public. Stronger laws will ensure that those who commit such crimes face consequences that match the harm they inflict.

How You Can Help

Legislation does not pass on its own. It requires citizens to raise their voices and demand action. The Fraternal Order of Police has made it simple for you to do just that. With just a few clicks, you can contact your representatives and senators and tell them to support these bills. Use our online form today.

Your message matters. Lawmakers listen to their constituents, and they take note when a community unites behind an issue. By speaking up, you can help ensure Apollo’s story leads to lasting change.

A Call to Action for South Carolina

K9 Apollo risked everything to protect his community. He survived, but others have not been as fortunate. Each time a K9 is harmed, we are reminded that these animals stand on the front lines for us. They deserve more than our gratitude. They deserve the protection of our laws.

The General Assembly has the opportunity to act this session. Passing H.3034 and S.427 will show that South Carolina values courage, loyalty, and sacrifice — not only in its human officers but in the K9s who serve beside them.

Now is the time to make your voice heard. Stand up for Apollo. Stand up for every K9 who patrols our streets. Contact your legislators and urge them to support the K9 Protection Bill: Write your legislators now.

Recent Rock Hill Incident Highlights Ongoing Risks Faced by Law Enforcement

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Our brave men & women of law enforcement face constant dangers to keep our communities safe. The recent incident in Rock Hill highlights the risks they take daily. Two individuals involved in an armed robbery and chase put officers at great risk.

We applaud the collaboration of Rock Hill Police, York County Sheriff’s Office, Chester County Sheriff’s Office, and SC Highway Patrol in bringing these criminals to justice. Their coordinated efforts resulted in the apprehension of the suspects.

We stand united with our officers, thankful for their dedication. Incidents like these underscore the need for continued support and resources to ensure the safety of those who protect and serve.

Read the details: https://www.heraldonline.com/news/local/crime/article284574335.html