H 4751  Concurrent Resolution, By Ligon
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR NARCOTICS SERGEANT AND SPECIAL
 RESPONSE TEAM COMMANDER JOHN "TREY" HUNTER III OF THE CHESTER COUNTY SHERIFF'S
 OFFICE, WHO DISPLAYED EXCEPTIONAL COURAGE AND PRESENCE OF MIND IN THE FACE OF
 DANGER WHILE IN THE LINE OF DUTY, AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM UPON RECEIVING THE
 SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION MEDAL OF VALOR AWARD.

   01/12/22  House  Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate
                     (House Journal-page 22)

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR NARCOTICS SERGEANT AND SPECIAL RESPONSE TEAM COMMANDER JOHN "TREY" HUNTER III OF THE CHESTER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, WHO DISPLAYED EXCEPTIONAL COURAGE AND PRESENCE OF MIND IN THE FACE OF DANGER WHILE IN THE LINE OF DUTY, AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM UPON RECEIVING THE SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION MEDAL OF VALOR AWARD.

Whereas, on January 3, 2021, Narcotics Sergeant and Special Response Team Commander John "Trey" Hunter III displayed extraordinary bravery and decisive action. His courage under fire was recognized by his peers and he will be presented with the prestigious South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor Award; and

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

Whereas, on January 3, 2021, Sgt. Hunter received a call informing him of a high-speed chase that began in Lancaster County involving a suspect who fired shots at Lancaster County Deputies. During the chase, the suspect wrecked along Highway 9 and fled, armed, into the woods. Sgt. Hunter contacted his team to respond to the scene and left his residence. On approach, Sgt. Hunter received information that the suspect was last seen running down Highway 9. As he was in the area, he turned his vehicle's bright lights on, revealing the silhouette of an individual jogging down the middle of the highway. Sgt. Hunter slowed his vehicle and realized the man was attempting to stop him. Sgt. Hunter noted the man's hand in his hoodie pocket and the outline of a gun as he rapidly closed the distance between them. He placed the vehicle into park and the suspect removed the firearm from his pocket as he approached the passenger side of the vehicle. Rapidly responding, Sgt.Hunter exited the driver's side of the vehicle as the suspect opened the passenger side door. He drew his own firearm and instructed the suspect that he was with the sheriff's office and for him to relinquish his firearm. The suspect then pointed his gun at Sgt. Hunter and attempted to shoot but the gun misfired and no bullet was discharged; and

Whereas, fearing for his life, Sgt. Hunter returned fire and looked for cover. The suspect turned and sprinted away as Sgt. Hunter fired his weapon. The suspect made two more attempts to turn and fire his weapon at Sgt. Hunter before he disappeared into the nearby woods. He was later found deceased in the wooded area and an investigation revealed he had shot at a Lancaster County Deputy's vehicle earlier in the day and connected him to another individual who had been shot and killed in Lancaster County days prior; and

Whereas, the actions taken by Sgt. Hunter in the face of danger and in the heat of the moment allowed him to take the necessary steps to protect the lives of others, as well as his own, despite his being placed in immediate and recognizable danger; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly are honored to recognize the heroism and determination of law enforcement officers and first responders like Narcotics Sergeant and Special Response Team Commander John "Trey" Hunter III who go above and beyond to protect and defend our citizens, putting the safety of others above their own. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and honor Narcotics Sergeant and Special Response Team Commander John "Trey" Hunter III of the Chester County Sheriff's Office, who displayed exceptional courage and presence of mind in the face of danger while in the line of duty, and congratulate him upon receiving the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor Award.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Sergeant John "Trey" Hunter III.