A senate RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR Lieutenant Robert Reynolds OF THE Sumter COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON BEING AWARDED THE SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION MEDAL OF VALOR.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to learn that Lieutenant Robert Reynolds of the Sumter County Sheriff's Office has been awarded the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor for taking action that showed outstanding bravery and quick, effective thinking during a life-threatening situation, and that he will be honored for his courage at the Sheriffs' Association's Medal of Valor ceremony on January 26, 2023; 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 September 26, 2022, Lieutenant Robert Reynolds was serving as shift supervisor with the Sumter County Sheriff's Office. Shortly after noon, deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call. Details were confusing but suggested that a possible hostage situation had occurred; and

Whereas, on-scene deputies first telephoned the suspect, but he refused to leave the house or admit deputies. Lieutenant Reynolds arrived and began talking to the suspect. With patience and understanding, the lieutenant gained the suspect's trust and was allowed inside the house. When he entered, the suspect was sitting at the kitchen table. The lieutenant saw signs that a physical altercation may have taken place, but he sat at the table and continued communicating with the suspect; and

Whereas, after a short time, the lieutenant recognized signs that the dynamic of the conversation had changed. The suspect asked him many times to step outside for a few minutes, but Lieutenant Reynolds felt the suspect wanted this time alone to commit suicide. Then the lieutenant, noticing the suspect look down twice, stood up from the table and saw the grip of a handgun in the chair next to the suspect; and

Whereas, the lieutenant immediately began shouting for the suspect not to shoot, but the suspect reached for the handgun. Pushing the suspect to increase the distance between them, the lieutenant immediately drew his gun. The suspect raised his gun toward the lieutenant, who then fired at the suspect, striking and killing him. Lieutenant Reynolds made sure the scene was secure before other deputies responded for processing. The victim had been severely assaulted but was safe; and

Whereas, now approaching twenty-five years with the department, Lieutenant Reynolds has served several combat tours with the National Guard. There is no doubt that the suspect intended to harm him on September 26, 2022, but the training and real-world experience he had received from the Criminal Justice Academy, the Sumter County Sheriff's Office training staff, and the military, prepared him for the challenge of that day and helped him come away from it alive; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate appreciate the courage and dedication of law enforcement officers like Lieutenant Robert Reynolds 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 Lieutenant Robert Reynolds of the Sumter County Sheriff's Office and congratulate him on being awarded the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Lieutenant Robert Reynolds.

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