A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR SERGEANT MICHAEL CLAYTOR OF THE NEWBERRY COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, ALONG WITH SLED AGENT KEITH THROWER, SLED AGENT COREY JAGER, SLED AGENT COLE POWELL, AND K9 AGENT COBA, 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 Sergeant Michael Claytor of the Newberry County Sheriff's Office, along with SLED Agent Keith Thrower, SLED Agent Corey Jager, SLED Agent Cole Powell, and K9 Agent Coba, were awarded the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor on April 23, 2025, for taking action that showed fortitude and cool-headedness while under gunfire and in eminent danger; 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 June 11, 2024, Sergeant Michael Claytor of the Newberry County Sheriff's Office, SLED Agent Keith Thrower, SLED Agent Corey Jager, SLED Agent Cole Powell, and K9 Agent Coba (handled by SLED Agent Powell) were assigned to serve a warrant on a person who was wanted for burglarizing a home while armed and who also was a fugitive from justice. These law enforcement officers, accompanied by K9 Agent Coba, entered a home in which the suspect was believed to be hiding; and

 

Whereas, having entered the home, the group of officers and K9 Coba confronted and then challenged the suspect, who was armed with a long gun; and

 

Whereas, the suspect pointed the weapon at the law enforcement officers and fired, striking K9 Coba, which prompted the law enforcement officers to return fire. The suspect then was neutralized and taken into custody; and

 

Whereas, sadly, K9 Coba suffered mortal wounds while protecting the law enforcement officers; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly appreciate the courage and dedication of law enforcement officers like Sergeant Michael Claytor of the Newberry County Sheriff's Office, along with SLED Agents Keith Thrower, Corey Jager, Cole Powell, and K9 Agent Coba, 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 Sergeant Michael Claytor of the Newberry County Sheriff's Office, along with SLED Agent Keith Thrower, SLED Agent Corey Jager, SLED Agent Cole Powell, and K9 Agent Coba, 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 these fine law enforcement officers.

----XX---