H 4860  Resolution, By Herbkersman and W.Newton
 A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO HONOR CORPORAL KERRY JOHNSON OF THE BEAUFORT COUNTY
 SHERIFF'S OFFICE, WHO DISPLAYED EXCEPTIONAL COURAGE IN THE FACE OF DANGER
 WHILE IN THE LINE OF DUTY, AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM UPON RECEIVING THE SOUTH
 CAROLINA SHERIFF'S ASSOCIATION MEDAL OF VALOR AWARD.
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   01/15/20  House  Introduced and adopted (House Journal-page 19)

TO HONOR CORPORAL KERRY JOHNSON OF THE BEAUFORT COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, WHO DISPLAYED EXCEPTIONAL COURAGE IN THE FACE OF DANGER WHILE IN THE LINE OF DUTY, AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM UPON RECEIVING THE SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFF'S ASSOCIATION MEDAL OF VALOR AWARD.

Whereas, on July 26, 2019, the Beaufort County Communications Center received multiple calls from residents in Twinkling Court, a subdivision of Sun City Hilton Head, of a person walking in the roadway, shouting threats to whomever he came in contact with, and discharging a firearm in the neighborhood; and

Whereas, Beaufort County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) Corporal Kerry Johnson responded to Twinkling Court and tactfully approached the area. Corporal Johnson located the individual hiding behind a vehicle. While in close proximity, the perpetrator was illuminated with a flashlight and commanded to stop by Corporal Johnson; and

Whereas, the suspect yelled back and raised his right hand, discharging his firearm at Corporal Johnson. Corporal Johnson simultaneously discharged his BCSO service weapon at the suspect, who was struck and fell to the ground; and

Whereas, the suspect still did not relinquish his firearm, however, and continued to hold it upward toward Corporal Johnson as if to fire again. Corporal Johnson fired his weapon an additional time until the suspect released his hold on his firearm, and the threat was sufficiently neutralized; and

Whereas, Corporal Johnson's display of exceptional courage and professionalism in protecting the citizens of Beaufort County from an impending threat must be lauded. The Medal of Valor award is given to any Deputy Sheriff who performs actions above and beyond the call of duty, exhibiting exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness, and presence of mind; or an unusual swiftness of action, regardless of his or her personal safety, in an attempt to save or protect human life. This accurately describes the actions of Corporal Johnson on that night; and

Whereas, Corporal Johnson will be presented with the prestigious South Carolina Sheriff's Association Medal of Valor Award at a banquet to be held in Columbia, SC, on Thursday, January 23, 2020; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful the mettle displayed by Corporal Johnson, whose willingness to endanger his own life prevented others from falling victim to an attack. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor Corporal Kerry Johnson of the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, who displayed exceptional courage in the face of danger while in the line of duty, and congratulate him upon receiving the South Carolina Sheriff's Association Medal of Valor Award.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Corporal Kerry Johnson.