Editorial: Another fallen hero

Aiken Public Safety was still reeling from the death of Master PSO Scotty Richardson, when tragedy struck again last Saturday.

The death of Master Cpl. Sandy Rogers has left the entire law enforcement community numb from the grief and on edge as they try to perform their daily duties in the community.

Once again, local officers are confronted with the reality of what it can mean to be in law enforcement. Rogers was killed while following up on a neighborhood complaint regarding a suspicious vehicle in the Eustis Park area of Aiken. And the public likewise is reminded that the men and women who serve proudly in law enforcement indeed put their lives on the line every day.

Until the earlier death of Richardson, it was difficult to fathom an officer killed in the line of duty here. In North Augusta, though we've come close a couple of times, we haven't had an officer killed in the line of duty - perhaps ever.

So how does this happen twice in six weeks? Anyone watching recent coverage of the murder and its aftermath is likely of the opinion that the accused shooter must be either not operating with a full deck or just plain evil. Not since the arraignment of Junior Downs have we seen such malevolence personified.

As the case moves forward and more of the life of Joshua Tremaine Jones comes to light, perhaps we'll come to understand the facts better. But it will not alter our view that such a brutal slaying of a police officer is so senseless, so unnecessary, so wrong.

We'll never overcome to pain of losing an officer in this way.

As in the aftermath of Scotty Richardson's death, we say again that, right now, perhaps the best we can do is pray - for God to heal the hearts of Master Cpl. Rogers' family, including her law enforcement family.

We again join together in offering our condolences to Rogers' family, friends and this community.