South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police

Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office

SC Fallen Officers – February 27

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Today, we remember City of Charleston Police Department Sergeant Henry William Buck, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sheriff Kevin Earl Carper, and Hardeeville Police Department Corporal Mark David Jones.

On this date in 1921, Sergeant H. William Buck was shot and killed while helping a wife retrieve her possessions after a domestic dispute at 7 Ashton Street in Charleston.

On this date in 2007, Deputy Sheriff Kevin Carper was shot and killed during a foot pursuit of a suspect who fled during a traffic stop.

On this date in 2005, Corporal Mark Jones was killed in an automobile crash on I-95. He was responding to back up an officer who needed assistance at a local restaurant at approximately 4:20 a.m. During the response, he lost control of his patrol car, traveled off the roadway, and struck several trees in the median.

SC Fallen Officers – February 18

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Today, we remember Spartanburg County Constable Melton James Shields and North Charleston Police Department Patrolman Robert Anthony Way.

On this date in 1930, Deputized Constable Melton Shields was shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant on a man wanted for stealing a pistol.

On this date in 1985, Patrolman Tony Way was shot and killed by a person who was hostile towards the police and sought revenge.

SC Fallen Officers – January 8

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Today, we remember Spartanburg County Rural Police Commission Officer Walker Walter McKinney, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Dyke “A. J.” Coursen, and Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Lance Corporal Dana Tate.

On this date in 1944, Officer McKinney was killed in an automobile accident.

On this date in 2002, Corporal A.J. Coursen and Lance Corporal Dana Tate were shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance call on Riley Road, in Burton, at approximately 4:00 pm. A female had called the sheriff’s office and complained about her and her young child being held against their will by her boyfriend. While the deputies were investigating, they were shot by the boyfriend, who was armed with a semi-automatic rifle and was hiding inside a bedroom closet. Deputy Coursen was killed, but Deputy Tate was able to shoot and wound the suspect before he died.

Dangers Law Enforcement Face on Roadways

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In the line of duty, law enforcement officers confront numerous challenges, and one of the most perilous scenarios they encounter is on the roadways. Recent events, such as the incident involving a deputy from the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, highlight the urgent need for public awareness about the move-over law and the potential dangers officers face while conducting police work on busy highways.

The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office responded to a crash on I-85, a situation that unfortunately resulted in fatalities. In an effort to manage the incident and ensure the safety of all involved, a deputy strategically positioned his patrol car across lanes, activated his blue lights, and took precautionary measures by wearing a reflective yellow traffic vest and using an illuminated orange traffic wand.

Despite these visible warnings, a driver traveling at an alarming 80 miles per hour failed to adhere to the move-over law. The consequences were severe, as the deputy had to swiftly evade the oncoming vehicle, narrowly escaping a potential collision. The driver, charged with reckless driving by highway patrol, collided with the patrol car and lost control before ultimately crashing into a guardrail.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of the move-over law, which mandates drivers to slow down and change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles. The law is designed to protect those who dedicate their lives to safeguarding our communities, giving them the space needed to carry out their duties safely.

Law enforcement officers, equipped with reflective gear and illuminated tools, actively signal for motorists to slow down and change lanes when responding to emergencies. The move-over law isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s a fundamental way for civilians to contribute to the safety of those working tirelessly to protect us.

As advocates for law enforcement, we must emphasize the significance of adhering to the move-over law and encourage responsible driving behavior on the roadways. It is imperative for drivers to recognize the potential dangers officers face and take proactive measures to ensure their safety.

Let us unite in our commitment to creating safer roadways for both law enforcement officers and the public. By raising awareness and promoting responsible driving habits, we can collectively contribute to a safer environment for those who selflessly dedicate their lives to protecting ours.