A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DEPUTY TYLER ATKINS, SERGEANT SARDARIUS HENDERSON, AND DEPUTY JOHN RODGERS OF THE CHEROKEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM ON BEING AWARDED THE SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION MEDAL OF VALOR.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly are pleased to learn that Deputy Tyler Atkins, Sergeant Sardarius Henderson, and Deputy John Rodgers of the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office will be awarded the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor on January 25, 2024, for taking action that showed fortitude and quick action in protecting others from harm during a life-threatening 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, early on September 28, 2023, Deputy Tyler Atkins, Sergeant Sardarius Henderson, and Deputy John Rodgers were working off-duty with Blythe Construction on I-85. Deputy Atkins observed an Altima striking the cones marking the lane closure and saw that the car was within the closure. Deputy Atkins immediately sought to catch the vehicle and perform a traffic stop. He could see the vehicle striking the inside wall and sparks flying from the vehicle. Observing a Blythe work truck within the lane closure, he expected a collision. He was right: The car rear-ended the truck; and

Whereas, having left his own vehicle, Deputy Atkins approached the two damaged vehicles in an attempt to render aid. He recognized the truck driver as Blythe supervisor Billy Conley, who seemed disoriented and did not respond immediately. Both vehicles then burst into flames, and the fire began to spread rapidly. Deputy Atkins grabbed Mr. Conley and assisted him out of the vehicle; and

Whereas, swiftly, Sergeant Henderson and Deputy Rodgers arrived. All three deputies worked to extinguish the flames and extricate the Altima driver; however, due to burning fuel, their efforts proved futile. Sadly, the attempts of the deputies to remove the suicidal Altima driver were met with fierce resistance. Because of the fire's spread and extreme heat, the deputies were unable to continue rescue attempts. But without the efforts of these Cherokee County deputies, the collision easily could have resulted in two fatalities, instead of one. They displayed exemplary valor in providing life-saving actions to the Blythe employee and in attempting to save the life of the other driver: and

Whereas, the members of the General Assembly appreciate the courage and dedication of law enforcement officers like Deputy Tyler Atkins, Sergeant Sardarius Henderson, and Deputy John Rodgers 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, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and honor Deputy Tyler Atkins, Sergeant Sardarius Henderson, and Deputy John Rodgers of the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and congratulate 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 Deputy Tyler Atkins, Sergeant Sardarius Henderson, and Deputy John Rodgers.

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