USCA honors fallen officers

IN HONOR OF FALLEN OFFICERS: USC Aiken athletic director Randy Warrick, campus police chief Kevin Liles, Lt. Roger Brown, Officer Ryan Sparling, Zander, Amelyn and Chase Richardson, Jimmie Rogers and Frances Williams stand at the presentation on Saturday night at the USC Aiken Convocation Center. Staff photo by Ben Baugh.

The USC Aiken athletic department and USCA Department of Public Safety honored the memories of Aiken Department of Public Safety Master Officer Scotty Richardson and Master Cpl. Sandy Rogers on Saturday evening.

A special presentation was held at halftime of the USCA men's basketball game and paid tribute not only to Richardson and Rogers, who both lost their lives in the line of duty, but to their families who were also in attendance at the ceremony.

Richardson's wife Amelyn and sons Zander and Chase, Rogers' life partner Frances Williams and Rogers' brother Jimmie Rogers stood at half court and received reserved seat covers from USCA Athletic Director Randy Warrick.

It was a visceral experience for the family members of the officers whose sacrifice and dedication to the city of Aiken will never be forgotten, and the emotional impact of the presentation was palpable.

When the actual presentation of the seat covers were made to Amelyn Richardson and Frances Williams, a resounding roar from the crowd drowned out the public address system, as those in attendance showed their heartfelt appreciation to the officers' families and to law enforcement personnel everywhere for their service.

USCA Department of Public Safety Chief Kevin Liles, Lt. Roger Price and Officer Ryan Sparling were also involved in the presentation process honoring Richardson and Rogers.

The seat covers will serve as a reminder to the sacrifice and the dedication made by the officers to the residents of Aiken.

All law enforcement personnel were recognized for their hard work, courage and sacrifice, and it was clear that their selfless service greatly impacts the community, protecting the welfare of the city's residents.

"We're excited to be here to celebrate both Sandy and Scotty and to be able to fellowship and spend a little bit of time away from work by being here," said Charles Barranco, Aiken Department of Public Safety chief of police. "I'm an alum here at USC Aiken. I'm glad to be home."