Families, friends honor fallen officers

Mary Ann Chastain
AP

Law enforcement officers from across the state gather in Columbia to remember the seven officers killed in the line of duty in 2007.

COLUMBIA — With each toll of the bell, a new family stood up.

Sisters, brothers, parents — children. Some wore badges.

They had come from all corners of the state to remember the seven law enforcement officers who died in the line of fire in 2007, as well as dozens of others who died following retirement.

Tears were shed. Prayers were spoken. Memories were shared.

Four of the seven officers honored in the annual ceremony at the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy were from the Lowcountry. Two were from the Moncks Corner Police Department.

Pfc. Lonnie Wells and Cpl. Marcus Stiles were shot to death in March of '07 while responding to a domestic violence call.

"I lost a son and a father," said Lt. Michael Roach of the younger Stiles and older Wells.

Also remembered were Lincolnville Constable Robert Bailey and Dorchester County sheriff's Cpl. Michael Deese, who was killed with his K-9, Sonja, in a traffic collision.

Moncks Corner Police Chief Chad Caldwell said neither Wells' family or Stiles' family attended the service because of the emotional toll the deaths have taken on them.

Wednesday's ceremony was the first Caldwell attended after losing an officer. He said the department had never lost an officer before.

"It forces you to reflect on the sacrifices," he said. "It hits home that it can happen at any moment. We are all very vulnerable."

The other officers who died were Jasper County Sheriff Benjamin Riley, Richland County sheriff's Deputy Darral Keith Lane and Spartanburg County sheriff's Deputy Kevin Carper.

Speakers also honored Orangeburg County sheriff's Deputy William Howell Jr., who was shot early Saturday. An S.C. Highway Patrol trooper was shot the next day but survived with the help of a bulletproof vest.

Editor's note: Earlier versions of this story omitted Jasper County Sheriff Benjamin Riley, Richland County sheriff's Deputy Darral Keith Lane and Spartanburg County sheriff's Deputy Kevin Carper. The Post and Courier regrets the error.