A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

TO REQUEST THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF United States Highway 321 from its intersection with South Carolina Highway 161 to its intersection with Jim McCarter Road IN YORK COUNTY "Sheriff BRUCE M. BRYANT HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE SIGNS OR MARKERS along this portion of highway CONTAINING THESE WORDs.

 

Whereas, born in York on July 12, 1951, he is the son of the late Lewis G. and Lucille Ledford Bryant. He attended York County public schools and furthered his education at the University of South Carolina Lancaster, graduating in 1984. With a career already rooted in law enforcement, he attended and graduated from the FBI Executive Training Academy as well as the National Sheriffs' Association Training Academy. He also served his country as a proud member of the South Carolina National Guard from 1968 to 1974; and

 

Whereas, known for his diligence, integrity, and desire to protect and serve the citizens of South Carolina, Representative Bryant began his distinguished law enforcement career in 1972 as a deputy in the York County Sheriff's Office. Respected for the quality of his work and well-liked by his colleagues, he was rising through the ranks before choosing to leave the department to serve as a special agent with the State Law Enforcement Division for ten years; and

 

Whereas, in 1996, he ran a successful campaign to become sheriff of York County, where he transformed the department into a well-respected and distinguished department that could ably serve the needs of the citizens of York County. Under his leadership, the office led the effort to establish a countywide Crime Stoppers program which continues to be one of the most active in the State. During his tenure, the office became accredited through the South Carolina Accreditation Coalition and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement. Since 2009, the L3 video and audio system has been installed in all of the department's patrol cars and in 2017 the body-worn digital cameras system was implemented; and

 

Whereas, during his twenty-year career as York County sheriff, Bryant was recognized with numerous accolades. In addition to serving as president of the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association and being named Sheriff of the Year, other notable awards include the state's highest civilian honor, the Order of the Palmetto, the South Carolina Patriot Award, the Strom Thurmond Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement, and the Jim DeMint South Carolina On the Move Award; and

 

Whereas, Bryant was sworn in as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives on June 20, 2017, serving the citizens of York County's District 48 with integrity and dedication. In 2022, his final legislative session, he proudly served on the Interstate Cooperation Committee and on the Judiciary Committee; and

 

Whereas, throughout his five decades of public service, he has always had the patience, love, and support of his family, including his wife of more than thirty years, Blanche, whom he married in 1989. This union was blessed with four children, Beth Tolson, Melisa Haller, Jeanette Kelly, and Hope Maske. The family now includes the love and affection of his ten wonderful grandchildren. He is a faithful member of Union Baptist Church; and

 

Whereas, with a life dedicated in service to God, his family, and the citizens of his district, it is only fitting and proper that former Representative Bruce Bryant is honored with a highway in York County named for him. 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, request the Department of Transportation name the portion of United States Highway 321 from its intersection with South Carolina Highway 161 to its intersection with Jim McCarter Road in York County "The Honorable Bruce M. Bryant Highway" and erect appropriate signs or markers along this portion of highway containing these words.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Honorable Bruce M. Bryant.

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