A senate RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR MEMBERS OF THE AIKEN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR BEING AWARDED THE SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION MEDAL OF VALOR.

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate is pleased to learn that members of the Aiken County Sheriff's Office were awarded the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor on January 26, 2023, for remaining calm under fire while apprehending an armed murder suspect and protecting citizens in a highly volatile situation; 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 October 28, 2022, Sergeant Kevin Creed, Sergeant Michael Williams, Sergeant Nicholas Lott, Sergeant Christopher Carey, and Lieutenant Jason Todd from the Aiken County Sheriff's Office responded to a request for assistance from Georgia law enforcement in an attempt to serve a warrant at property in Aiken county on a reported suspect wanted for murder in Georgia; and

Whereas, Sergeant Creed's county vehicle was positioned in the front yard of the residence, and the in-car camera system was activated in the car. The perimeter of the structure was secured, and Sergeant Williams began giving commands over his vehicle's loudspeaker, while occupants of the home could be seen peeking out of the blinds and closing them. After roughly forty-five minutes of unsuccessful attempts to communicate with the subject inside, verbal consent to enter the residence was obtained by telephone from the homeowner; and

Whereas, the team in heavy vests and using ballistic shields entered the unlocked front door of the residence, announced their presence and that they were from the sheriff's office, and began clearing the right side of the residence, then the living room and kitchen. As they moved through the far-left side of the residence, they were assaulted with gunfire from the suspect. Sergeant Creed was struck on his right arm and sustained an injury on his head in the area of his left temple; and

Whereas, Sergeant Williams returned fire through the bedroom and helped Sergeant Creed to evacuate, and together they exited out the front door while Sergeant Lott cleared access to the rear door for the other officers to exit. Once outside the residence, Sergeant Creed's injuries were assessed, and EMS was summoned. Sergeant Creed was transported via ambulance to the hospital; and.

Whereas, negotiations were set up, and the suspect exited the residence soon after and surrendered. He was taken into custody without any further incident; and

Whereas, the South Carolina Medal of Valor was awarded to Sergeant Kevin Creed, Sergeant Michael Williams, Sergeant Nicholas Lott, Sergeant Christopher Carey, and Lieutenant Jason Todd for exhibiting calm professionalism under extreme pressure and without regard to their own safety in order to apprehend a dangerous suspect and keep others out of harm's way; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate appreciate the courage and dedication of law enforcement officers like these 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 Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor members of the Aiken County Sheriff's Office and congratulate them for being awarded the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Sergeant Kevin Creed, Sergeant Michael Williams, Sergeant Nicholas Lott, Sergeant Christopher Carey, and Lieutenant Jason Todd.

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