Honoring a fallen trooper
Earl and Jean McGrory, residents of Hammond House, received a visit from representatives of the S.C. Highway Patrol last Friday.
And while they certainly wish the occasion did not exist, Maj. R.W. Stewart and Cpl. Bryan McDougald stopped by to extend their condolences on the death of the McGrorys' 28-year-old grandson, killed in the line of duty on June 27.
A California Highway Patrolman, Justin McGrory and his partner had made a traffic stop on I-15 in Barstow, Calif., at 3:28 a.m. that Sunday. They were conducting a sobriety test on one driver when an 18-year-old drunken driver crossed the median, clipped the patrol car and hit the young officer. Justin McGrory died at the hospital.
Stewart and McDougald brought Jean and Earl McGrory a letter of condolences for their loss from the department and a S.C. Highway Patrol patch and cap. In addition, they presented the McGrorys with a S.C. Highway Patrol "challenge coin."
Justin McGrory had been in the CHiPs organization for more than two years. Earl McGrory said it was particularly poignant since he was the one to pin on his grandson's badge at his graduation ceremony. "He was following in his father's footsteps," said the elder McGrory, who listed the military and the highway patrol as similarities. "His dad just retired with 30 years of service in the California Highway Patrol," said Earl McGrory of his son.
"He was just starting his life," said Jean, regarding her grandson. The McGrorys said they had just been bragging on their grandson and how his life was coming together the day before the tragedy.
The local McGrorys were touched that in California Gov. Arnold Schwartzeneger had ordered the flags at half staff for the fallen officer, and in North Augusta Hammond House had done the same.
In addition, they reported that following their grandson's death approximately 100 CHiPs converged on the California McGrory's home to finish setting up a swing set that Justin had not been able to complete, as well as put the home in good shape for the family.
And the local couple ws truly comforted by their Hammond House family. The McGrorys -- the only married pair at Hammond House -- have been living at the Walnut Lane facility since last November. "There have been constant knocks on our door since it happened," they said of the devastating event in their lives.
Earl and Jean McGrory had originally planned to attend the memorial service, but when the California authorities postponed the service until Tuesday, July 5, health issues prohibited their traveling across the country.
Hundreds of law enforcement officers from around the state attended the Tuesday funeral services in Victorville, Calif.
McGrory is one of five CHP officers killed while on duty since May 7, authorities said.
He is survived by his wife, Kelly, his 7-year-old daughter, Erin, 4-year-old son Cade and 1-year-old son, Liam. In addition, Mrs. McGrory is eight months pregnant with their fourth child.
A memorial fund has been set for the family. To donate to the Officer McGrory Memorial Fund, contact the CAHP Credit Union at (909) 599-9329 or 800-451-2247. Checks can be mailed to CAHP Credit Union, P.O. Box 826, San Dimas, CA 91773-9691.
