Horry County Police Chief Joseph Hill inducts Cpl. Michael H. Ambrosino, Horry Co. Police Dept.
COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety held induction ceremonies today – both virtually and with limited guests – to formally induct 11 officers into the SC Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame.
The department held a 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. ceremony to formally induct the recipients into the Hall of Fame with many of their family members present.
Unlike last year’s ceremony, which inducted eight historical recipients who dated back to the 1860s, this year’s ceremony only recognized one historical inductee, J.B. McAdam, whose end-of-watch was in 1909. Of the remaining 10 officers inducted into the Hall of Fame for 2020, four died of complications from COVID-19; four officers lost their lives due to shootings in the line of duty; two died in collisions; and one by vehicle assault.
“Last year was a profoundly difficult one for the South Carolina law enforcement community as 10 officers were laid to rest,” said SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods, IV. “Today is a solemn occasion when we come together in this way to let their families and departments know that their memories and contributions live on as we formally induct them into the SC Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame and honor their service and sacrifice.”
Today’s ceremony brings the total number of South Carolina officers who are honored in the Hall of Fame Memorial Room to 404.
The following were inducted for the 2020 calendar year. To view the complete program, click here.
** Additional photos of today’s ceremony, will be added to the DPS Facebook page.
J.B. McAdams
Anderson County Constable / Deputy U.S. Marshal
End of Watch: Feb. 20, 1909
(Shooting death)
Officer Jackson Ryan Winkeler
Florence Regional Airport Public Safety
End of Watch: January 5, 2020
(Shooting death)
Corporal Andrew Gillette
Sumter County Sheriff’s Office
End of Watch: February 25, 2020
(Shooting death)
Deputy Jeremy LaDue
Charleston County Sheriff’s office
End of Watch: April 12, 2020
(Motor vehicle collision)
Sergeant Mikkos L. Newman
Lee County Sheriff’s Office
End of Watch: June 8, 2020
(COVID-19)
Master Police Officer Robert J. Hall
Columbia Police Department
End of Watch: July 14, 2020
(COVID-19)
Corporal Michael H. Ambrosino
Horry County Police Department
End of Watch: August 19, 2020
(COVID-19)
Lieutenant Ethan R. Kaskin
Anderson Police Department
End of Watch: September 25, 2020
(Motor vehicle collision)
Officer Jacob W. Hancher
Myrtle Beach Police Department
End of Watch: October 3, 2020
(Shooting death)
Sergeant W. Conley Jumper
Greenville County Sheriff’s Office
End of Watch: October 20, 2020
(Vehicle assault)
Captain Johnnie Abraham, Sr.
State Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
End of Watch: December 18, 2020
(COVID-19)
Today’s ceremonies were virtually streamed on the Department’s Facebook page.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors.