Columbia, South Carolina, September 25, 2025
News Summary
The Society of Former Agents of SLED has initiated a fundraising campaign to honor K-9 officers who died in the line of duty. The goal is to raise $80,000 for a memorial at SLED Headquarters, sparked by the recent deaths of K-9 Officer Coba and K-9 Officer Rico. Retired SLED officials are urging community participation to honor the K-9 program and its significant contributions to public safety.
Columbia, South Carolina – The Society of Former Agents of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and former employees have launched a fundraising campaign to honor the service and sacrifices of K-9 officers who have died in the line of duty. The initiative aims to raise $80,000 in private funds to establish a memorial dedicated to these canine officers at SLED Headquarters in Columbia.
This initiative was sparked by the recent deaths of K-9 Officer Coba and K-9 Officer Rico in 2023 and 2024, events that deeply affected the agency and underscored the vital role played by K-9 officers in ensuring public safety throughout the state. The memorial will be made from American materials, reflecting the pride and respect for the contributions made by these diligent workers.
Retired Assistant Chief of SLED, Ben Thomas, highlighted the importance of public involvement in the campaign, urging community members to contribute in honor of the K-9 program. Contributions can be made through a GoFundMe account or by mailing checks to Jim Martin, Treasurer, marked for “K9 Projects.”
The K-9 officer program in South Carolina began in 1947 when Sergeant J.P. Strom personally funded the purchase of the first bloodhound. Since then, the program has evolved significantly and now includes dogs trained in various critical tasks such as narcotics detection, bomb detection, arson investigation, tracking, patrol work, and digital evidence detection.
The purpose of the memorial project is not only to memorialize past K-9 officers but also to honor future generations of these animals, celebrating the ongoing legacy of the K-9 program. Recently, a memorial for deceased K-9 officers was unveiled by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, recognizing those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the line of duty. During the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial service held recently, K-9s from across the nation were recognized, with five K-9s from South Carolina among those honored, including three from Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
Sheriff Leon Lott of Richland County acknowledged the need for recognizing the sacrifices made by K-9s in law enforcement. Special Agent Cole Powell from SLED underlined the significance of K-9 officers, who often go unrecognized but play a vital role in law enforcement safety. This recognition is more important than ever as investigations continue regarding incidents involving K-9s in law enforcement custody, including a recent incident involving the death of a man after being bitten by a K-9 during an arrest. Five deputies involved in this incident are currently on paid leave pending an investigation.
The fundraising campaign seeks to solidify the appreciation and respect these indispensable members of law enforcement deserve, while underscoring the community’s role in preserving their legacy for years to come.
FAQ
What is the goal of the fundraising campaign?
The fundraising campaign aims to raise $80,000 in private funds for a memorial dedicated to K-9 officers in South Carolina who have died in the line of duty.
How many K-9 officers have been killed in the line of duty in South Carolina?
Seven K-9 officers have been killed in the line of duty since the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) began using canine units in 1947.
Why was this initiative launched?
The initiative was sparked by the deaths of K-9 Officer Coba and K-9 Officer Rico in 2023 and 2024, which had a profound impact on the agency.
Where will the memorial be placed?
The memorial will be placed at SLED Headquarters in Columbia and will be made from American materials.
How can contributions be made to the memorial?
Contributions can be made via a GoFundMe account or by mailing checks to Jim Martin, Treasurer, with a notation for “K9 Projects.”
Key Features of the K-9 Memorial Fundraising Campaign
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Goal | Raise $80,000 for a memorial for K-9 officers |
| Location | SLED Headquarters, Columbia, SC |
| History | Seven K-9 officers killed in duty since 1947 |
| How to Contribute | GoFundMe account or checks to Jim Martin, Treasurer |
| Impact | Honor service of past and future K-9 officers |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Former SLED Officers and Employees Memorialize Fallen K-9 Officers
- Wikipedia: K9 Unit
- Police1: Richland County Sheriff’s Department Honored for K-9 Sacrifices
- Google Search: K9 officers in South Carolina
- Live5News: National Police Week Kicks Off with K-9 Ceremony
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- The State: K-9 Officers Recognized
- Google News: K-9 officers memorial
- Cola Daily: Richland County K9s Honored
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