Candlelight service honors S.C. officers who died in line of duty

Nearly 100 men, women and children gathered in somber reverence at the South Carolina State House to honor fallen law enforcement officers across the state Tuesday night.

This year marked the 10th anniversary of the law enforcement lawn on the Assembly Street side of the State House, and in 2015, 26 names joined those already carved in stone. Deputy Attorney General Rick Hubbard called for those present to remember the officers who gave their lives — and the officers out on the streets still serving.

“They too have families,” Hubbard said. “We’ve got to remember them, and remember that they too put on that uniform and wear a badge, and they’re willing to stand between danger and us. They’re willing to lay down their lives. They’re willing to go to work knowing that their name might be added to these walls.”

The Fraternal Order of Police organized the event, and attendees included officers from across the state, as well as family members of those who died in service. Despite a persistent drizzle, those at the gathering kept candles burning as the names of those who died appeared in blue lights at the top of the nearby AT&T building.

Among those honored was Greg Alia, a 32-year-old Forest Acres police officer shot and killed at the Richland Mall in September. His wife, Kassy Alia, attended the memorial.

“I was thinking as we were sitting around tonight how I look forward to bringing my son here,” she said. “I was talking to one of the other officers who said he had brought his son here to spend time, and I look forward to doing that with Sal, and talking about his dad and the many other heroes who have come before him —and hopefully the not so many heroes who come after him.”

Glen Luke Flanagan: 803-771-8305

This story was originally published November 3, 2015 at 8:38 PM with the headline "Candlelight service honors S.C. officers who died in line of duty."