A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR SERGEANT JOHN COKER AND DEPUTY HEATHER CAMPBELL OF THE MCCORMICK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE FOR EXCEPTIONAL COURAGE IN THE FACE OF DANGER WHILE IN THE LINE OF DUTY AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM UPON RECEIVING THE SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION 2023 MEDAL OF VALOR AWARD.

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is pleased to learn that Sergeant John Coker and Deputy Heather Campbell will be awarded the esteemed South Carolina Sheriffs' Association 2023 Medal of Valor Award on Thursday, January 25, 2024; and

Whereas, the Medal of Valor Award is presented to law enforcement who performs actions above and beyond the call of duty; and exhibits exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness, and presence of mind; or acts with unusual swiftness, regardless of their personal safety, in an attempt to save or protect human life; and

Whereas, On June 18, 2023, at approximately 7:08 a.m., Sergeant Coker and Deputy Campbell were dispatched to the Greenfield Road area of McCormick County in response to a 911 call about an armed robbery. The suspect was described as carrying two backpacks, one of which contained a rifle. Deputy Campbell interviewed both the 911 caller and another concerned resident to gather details about the suspect; and

Whereas, at 7:41 a.m., Sergeant Coker notified dispatch he located the suspect on Mears Lane. Sergeant Coker spoke with the suspect and convinced him to put down the bag with the rifle inside and step away from it. The suspect then pulled a revolver from his pocket and pointed it at Sergeant Coker. Sergeant Coker attempted to grab the revolver, but the suspect was able to pull it away. The suspect fired one shot which struck Sergeant Coker's left hand, exited at his palm, and landed above his body armor in his upper right chest. Sergeant Coker returned three shots to eliminate the threat. The exchange of gunfire lasted less than three seconds; and

Whereas, Deputy Campbell heard the gunshots from her location and responded immediately. Deputy Campbell arrived at the scene and provided cover for Sergeant Coker while simultaneously watching the downed suspect. After Deputy Campbell confirmed EMS was en route, she provided vital medical aid to Sergeant Coker and kept him engaged and talking. EMS was able to safely transport Sergeant Coker to the Augusta University Medical Center for treatment; and

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is honored to recognize the heroism and determination of law enforcement officers and first responders like Sergeant Coker and Deputy Campbell. Sergeant Coker's instinctive reactions and willingness to put himself in harm's way for others potentially saved the lives of innocent residents. Deputy Campbell's quick response and ability to assess two concurrent situations allowed her to make the scene safe and provide lifesaving medical care to a fellow officer. 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 Sergeant John Coker and Deputy Heather Campbell of the McCormick County Sheriff's Office for exceptional courage in the face of danger while in the line of duty and congratulate them upon receiving the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association 2023 Medal of Valor Award.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Sergeant John Coker and Deputy Heather Campbell.

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