FLORENCE, S.C. (AP) - It’s been one year since an ambush in Florence, South Carolina, left two officers dead and five others wounded.
News outlets report hundreds gathered Thursday to remember the fallen and salute those who survived the deadly ambush. Blue lights citywide were lit in support of the so-called “Florence 7.”
Florence County has declared Oct. 3 “Heroes Day” to honor Sgt. Terrence Carraway and Florence County Investigator Farrah Turner who died and the other wounded officers - Florence Police Sgt. Brian Hart; Florence Police investigators Scott Williamson and Travis Scott; Florence County Investigator Sarah Miller and Florence County Deputy Arie Davis.
“From here on out, this is going to be known as Heroes Day in Florence and I think Florence, the place I was born and raised, is full of heroes,” said 12th Circuit Solicitor Ed Clements, who also sang the National Anthem to begin the ceremony.
Gov. Henry McMaster was also among those in attendance at the event held at the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center.
“Those that we are celebrating this evening were strong people,” McMaster said. “It takes a strong man or woman to put his or her life on the line.”
The memories of Carraway and Turner haven’t faded and the appreciation for the five surviving officers also remains strong.
“Arie, Sarah, Scottie, Travis, Brian, we are all amazed by your resolve to not only heal, but to return to the work that you absolutely love,” said city police Chief Allen Heidler.
With songs by Turner’s Mass choir and blessings by county council chair Rev. Waymond Mumford, the remembrance ceremony was one of inspiration, prayer and appreciation.
“I want to thank all of you for your prayers, your support and your words of encouragement,” said Florence County Sheriff William Barnes.
“It also gave us the inspiration to continue on Sgt. Carraway and Farrah’s legacy, and that is to serve our city just like they did, with great honor and great passion,” Heidler said.
Mumford also said during the ceremony that a service memorial will be built in front of the county judicial center, dedicated to the men and women in law enforcement who have died.
Facing two counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder in the shootings is 75-year-old Frederick Hopkins. He’s in a Columbia jail awaiting trial. A trial date has not been set. Prosecutors have not said whether they’ll seek the death penalty against Hopkins.
Officials said deputies went to Hopkins’ home to interview his 28-year-old son, Seth David Hopkins, about sex crimes against a child when the older Hopkins started shooting at police.
On Aug. 23, Seth Hopkins was charged with five new counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor under 11 years old (first degree), two counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor under 16 years old (3rd degree) and one count of voyeurism, according to court records.
Seth Hopkins is also still facing two counts of criminal sexual conduct against two children under the age of 14. He was charged on those counts in October 2018.
He remains behind bars awaiting trial.
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