A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE and honor DEPUTY AUSTIN ALDRIDGE AND DEPUTY BENJAMIN MCCOMBS OF THE SPARTANBURG COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND TO salute THEM ON BEING AWARDED THE SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION MEDAL OF VALOR.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to learn that Deputy Austin Aldridge and Deputy Benjamin McCombs of the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office were awarded the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor on January 26, 2023, for courageously taking action under extreme pressure to save or protect the life of another; and

Whereas, the award is presented annually to law enforcement officers who perform actions above and beyond the call of duty; exhibit exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness, and presence of mind; or act with unusual swiftness, regardless of personal safety, in an attempt to save or protect human life; and

Whereas, on June 21, 2022, Deputy Austin Derek Aldridge responded to 4214 Chaffe Road within Spartanburg County. On this day, Deputy Aldridge was tasked with speaking with the male half of an alleged domestic violence incident that occurred at this location. Deputy Aldridge knocked on the door and waited for a response. On this day, Deputy Aldridge sustained an injury to which he later succumbed, thereby making the ultimate sacrifice in serving the people of South Carolina. Born on May 20, 1997, he reached his End of Watch on June 21, 2022. He was a loving husband and would have been a loving father as he had recently learned that he and his wife were expecting a child. Deputy Aldridge was an outstanding deputy and will never be forgotten; and

Whereas, on the same date, Deputy Benjamin McCombs initiated a traffic stop on the suspect who had murdered Deputy Aldridge. The suspect then presented a gun and pointed it in the direction of Deputy McCombs. The deputy engaged the suspect, who in turn drove off in his truck. The deputy then pursued the suspect and forcibly stopped the suspect's vehicle. Deputy McCombs engaged the suspect again, and the suspect ran into the wood line, where he was apprehended by the SWAT team. Due to Deputy McCombs's swift action, the suspect who had murdered Deputy Austin was quickly apprehended; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciate the courage and dedication of law enforcement officers like Deputy Austin Aldridge and Deputy Benjamin McCombs who put their lives on the line every day and who provide safety and security to protect the citizens of our great State. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and Deputy Austin Aldridge and Deputy Benjamin McCombs of the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office and salute them on being awarded the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Deputy Austin Aldridge and to Deputy Benjamin McCombs.

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