S 0937  Concurrent Resolution, By Cromer
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR SERGEANT DAVID LAWSON FOR HIS
 MANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NEWBERRY COMMUNITY AND CONGRATULATE HIM FOR
 RECEIVING THE MEDAL OF VALOR.

   01/11/22  Senate Introduced, adopted, sent to House
                     (Senate Journal-page 15)
   01/12/22  House  Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence
                     (House Journal-page 30)
   03/02/22  House  Introduced and read first time
   03/02/22  House  Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR SERGEANT DAVID LAWSON FOR HIS MANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NEWBERRY COMMUNITY AND CONGRATULATE HIM FOR RECEIVING THE MEDAL OF VALOR.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly are pleased to recognize Newberry County Sergeant David Lawson for winning the prestigious Medal of Valor for his heroic actions during a dangerous vehicle pursuit in August of 2021; and

Whereas, Sgt Lawson was informed that an armed suspect had just car-jacked a vehicle on Interstate 26 at the Laurens/Newberry County Line. Sgt Lawson located the vehicle, which was moving at a high rate of speed. He relayed information to dispatch and other units that he had the vehicle in sight and was attempting to stop the suspect with activated blue lights and siren; and

Whereas, the suspect evaded pursuit and continued driving at the high rate of speed, intentionally ramming several vehicles, including a vehicle driven by Deputy Wesley Blackburn and vehicles driven by civilians; and

Whereas, Sgt. Lawson continued to pursue the dangerous suspect until he was able to maneuver his own vehicle in front of the suspect's, putting his own life at risk in order to protect the civilians on the road. The suspect rammed Sgt. Lawson's vehicle, resulting in a wreck that disabled both vehicles; and

Whereas, after the wreck, the suspect fled on foot and Sgt. Lawson pursued on foot. Sgt. Lawson engaged the suspect verbally and with a non-lethal weapon. After Sgt. Lawson's repeated attempts to engage with the suspect verbally, the suspect charged Sgt. Lawson. Sgt. Lawson attempted to create distance between himself and the suspect, but when the suspect continued to charge, Sgt. Lawson fired his service weapon and hit the suspect, eliminating the threat to himself and the public; and

Whereas, during the pursuit, the suspect's dangerous actions to elude law enforcement showed his total lack of regard for the law. By hitting, ramming, and pitting eighteen vehicles, including the vehicles of two law enforcement officers, the suspect displayed his lack of care and regard for the lives of innocent civilians. Sgt. Lawson's actions, following his training, policy, and procedures and disregarding his own safety, saved many citizens in South Carolina; and

Whereas, Sgt. Lawson placed himself in harm's way and went above and beyond the call of duty to protect the lives of those around him. 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 David Lawson for his many contributions to the Newberry community and congratulate him for receiving the Medal of Valor.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Sergeant David Lawson.