S 0725  Concurrent Resolution, By McElveen and K.Johnson
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND REMEMBER THE HEROISM OF SENIOR
 CORPORAL GARY BEAVER, STAFF SERGEANT SEPTEMBER CRAFT, AND THE LATE CORPORAL
 ANDREW GILLETTE OF THE SUMTER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND TO HONOR THEIR
 EXCEPTIONAL COURAGE IN THE LINE OF DUTY AS THEY RECEIVE THE SOUTH CAROLINA
 SHERIFF'S ASSOCIATION MEDAL OF VALOR.

   04/06/21  Senate Introduced, adopted, sent to House
                     (Senate Journal-page 6)
   04/06/21  House  Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence
                     (House Journal-page 110)

TO RECOGNIZE AND REMEMBER THE HEROISM OF SENIOR CORPORAL GARY BEAVER, STAFF SERGEANT SEPTEMBER CRAFT, AND THE LATE CORPORAL ANDREW GILLETTE OF THE SUMTER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND TO HONOR THEIR EXCEPTIONAL COURAGE IN THE LINE OF DUTY AS THEY RECEIVE THE SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFF'S ASSOCIATION MEDAL OF VALOR.

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is honored to recognize Senior Corporal Gary Beaver, Staff Sergeant September Craft, and the late Corporal Andrew Gillette of the Sumter County Sheriff's Office as they are awarded the esteemed South Carolina Sheriff's Association Medal of Valor on Tuesday, April 27, 2021; and

Whereas, the South Carolina Sheriff's Association Medal of Valor is given to any deputy sheriff who performs actions above and beyond the call of duty and who exhibits 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; and

Whereas, on February 26, 2020, Corporal Andrew Gillette, Senior Corporal Gary Beaver, and Staff Sergeant September Craft served a detention order and eviction notice on a subject. After service, the subject refused to vacate the residence, and when the officers moved to arrest him, he opened fire. Corporal Gillette was wearing a vest, but he was struck in the neck area above his vest. Even after being shot, Corporal Gillette was able to return fire from the ground. Senior Corporal Beaver also positioned himself in a way to return fire, and Staff Sergeant Craft was able to direct other units and EMS to the scene. Officers entered the residence and located the subject, who had been fatally wounded as the deputies returned fire; and

Whereas, these three officers acted selflessly to protect innocent lives and performed their duties in an exemplary manner. Corporal Gillette, who lost his life in the incident, will be remembered not only for the heroic way he sacrificed his life, but also for the way he served his community and set an example in loving the Lord, his family, and the Sumter County Sheriff's Office; and

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is honored to recognize the sacrifice, heroism, and determination of law enforcement officers and first responders like Senior Corporal Gary Beaver, Staff Sergeant September Craft, and the late Corporal Andrew Gillette who protect and defend our citizens, putting the safety of others above their own personal safety. 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 remember the heroism of Senior Corporal Gary Beaver, Staff Sergeant September Craft, and the late Corporal Andrew Gillette of the Sumter County Sheriff's Office and honor their exceptional courage in the line of duty as they receive the South Carolina Sheriff's Association Medal of Valor.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Senior Corporal Gary Beaver, Staff Sergeant September Craft, and the family of Corporal Andrew Gillette.