EDITORIAL: United we stand

It may be cliche to say that tragedy brings us together, but it's true. And, it can bring out the best in people - another cliche, but one we are witnessing as we mourn the deaths of two of Aiken's finest Public Safety officers, Scotty Richardson and Sandy Rogers.

When Richardson was gunned down just before Christmas during a traffic stop, the Aiken County Sheriff's Department immediately stepped in to help the Department of Public Safety. Deputies took city shifts for officers who were dealing with issues involving the shooting, or who needed some time to deal with what had happened.

They did the same thing after Rogers was shot and killed during a routine investigation at Eustis Park early Saturday.

It seems to have been a seamless transition and the community should be grateful for that.

Early Tuesday, a deputy patrolling in the city spotted a fire at The Griffin, a pub in The Alley. There was extensive damage to the pub, and extensive smoke damage to neighboring businesses. But certainly the damage would have been much worse without the quick action of the deputy who was assisting Public Safety.

Visit Public Safety and you'll see the brown deputy uniforms mingling among the city officers - all going about the business of protecting our city. You'll also find plate upon plate of food, brought in by caring people the way neighbors bring food to when a loved one dies.

On Wednesday, thousands turned out for the funeral at the USCA Convocation Center, to watch the long procession to Bethany Cemetery. Even more watched the events online and on TV.

Perhaps it's too early in the grieving process to talk about the positives that have come from the deaths of Richardson and Rogers, but it's clear that these fine officers have touched our lives in significant ways.