On Thursday, May 16 at 9:30 a.m., officers from Lexington County’s law enforcement agencies gathered to honor the county’s law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

The public joined at the law enforcement monument on the west lawn of the Marc H. Westbrook Judicial Center located at 205 E. Main St. in Lexington.

This is an annual event, and according to earlier reporting from the Chronicle, last year’s memorial service was particularly heavy, as another name was added to the downtown Lexington memorial commemorating county officers killed in the line of duty.

Cpt. Drew Barr, a Cayce K9 officer, was shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call on April 24, 2022.

“A memorial like this can help inspire future generations to pursue careers in law enforcement and public service,” Rep. Micah Caskey of District 89 which covers Cayce, said during last year’s ceremony. “We can help instill a sense of civic duty and civic responsibility. It serves as a reminder of the importance of public safety and the role that law enforcement plays in protecting our communities.”

This service comes after eight officers were shot and four were killed in Charlotte, N.C. on April 29.

According to a release from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, an armed individual opened fire on officers responding in the North Tryon area.

“On Monday, April 29, 2024, around 1:30 p.m., the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, comprised of officers from multiple agencies, was conducting an investigation in the North Tryon Division at a home in the 5000 block of Galway Drive. The preliminary investigation indicates officers were attempting to serve active felony warrants on a male subject. As officers approached, the male subject discharged his firearm striking multiple officers. These officers requested immediate response from other officers. As officers responded, the gunfire continued, striking additional officers,” the release read. “In total, eight officers were struck during the gunfire. The officers were rushed to area hospitals. Three task force officers were pronounced deceased at the hospital. One of the injured CMPD Officers, Joshua Eyer, a 6-year veteran, fought for his life for several hours before succumbing to his injuries.”

Thomas Weeks Jr., William Alden Elliott and Sam Poloche were also among those killed.

CMPD officers Christopher Tolley, Michael Giglio, Jack Blowers and Justin Campbell were among those injured, according to a release from the city of Charlotte.

The Lexington County memorial service happened during National Police Week.

According to policeweek.org, “National Police Week offers honor, remembrance, and peer support, while allowing law enforcement, survivors, and citizens to gather and pay homage to those who gave their lives in the line of duty.”