A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR SENIOR INVESTIGATOR EDWARD M. BOYLES OF THE SUMTER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE FOR HIS EXTRAORDINARY COURAGE, SWIFT ACTIONS, AND EXCEPTIONAL DEDICATION TO PROTECTING THE LIVES OF OTHERS AND TO COMMEND HIs HEROIC SERVICE IN THE LINE OF DUTY as deserving of the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to recognize individuals whose bravery, professionalism, and selfless service reflect great credit upon themselves, their agencies, and the State of South Carolina. Senior Investigator Edward M. Boyles of the Sumter County Sheriff's Office has consistently demonstrated a remarkable commitment to preserving life and protecting the citizens of Sumter County through decisive action, courage under pressure, and unwavering devotion to duty; and

 

Whereas, on February 14, 2025, Senior Investigator Boyles responded with other members of the Sumter County Sheriff's Office Emergency Response Team to an active call at the Walmart in the City of Sumter, where they successfully cleared the building and secured the scene before attending a countywide saturation operation briefing; and

 

Whereas, shortly thereafter, a shooting incident was dispatched at a gas station in Sumter County, and Senior Investigator Boyles responded immediately, arriving first on the scene where he discovered a male victim suffering from an obvious gunshot wound and slumped against the side of the building. Without hesitation, Senior Investigator Boyles cut away the victim's clothing and performed a rapid trauma assessment, locating a severe gunshot wound in the lower right quadrant of the victim's abdomen with significant blood loss; and

 

Whereas, utilizing his advanced medical training and experience, he quickly controlled the bleeding, established a patient airway, and gained vascular access so that life-saving intravenous resuscitation could begin immediately upon the arrival of emergency medical personnel. While simultaneously providing emergency medical aid, Senior Investigator Boyles remained calm and focused, questioning the victim to determine the location of the original crime scene and gather critical information regarding the suspect and the suspect's vehicle, which he promptly broadcast to responding units, significantly aiding the criminal investigation; and

 

Whereas, his heroic actions not only directly contributed to saving the victim's life but also preserved vital investigative information that may otherwise have been lost, demonstrating extraordinary presence of mind under extreme circumstances. This act of valor was not an isolated incident, as Senior Investigator Boyles has repeatedly gone above and beyond the call of duty in both 2023 and 2024 by rendering life-saving aid to others in crisis, establishing a clear and consistent pattern of selfless service and exceptional courage; and

 

Whereas, further demonstrating his continued dedication, on December 22, 2025, Senior Investigator Boyles again rendered emergency medical treatment to another gunshot victim, successfully controlling a femoral artery bleed and, by all accounts, saving yet another life. Senior Investigator Boyles' actions embody the spirit of the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor, and his courage, compassion, and professionalism make him worthy of this distinguished recognition; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for Senior Investigator Boyles' outstanding service and wish to publicly commend him for the honor he brings to the Sumter County Sheriff's Office and to the State of South Carolina. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Senior Investigator Edward M. Boyles of the Sumter County Sheriff's Office for his extraordinary courage, swift actions, and exceptional dedication to protecting the lives of others and commend his heroic service in the line of duty as deserving of the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Senior Investigator Edward M. Boyles.

----XX----