10 York County Law Enforcement Officers Awarded Medal Of Valor

Wali Alston,

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Sheriff’s Association awarded the Medal of Valor to 10 York County Law Enforcement Officers, including two officers from other county agencies who serve on the York County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, and two state agents on January 24, 2019.

The York County Sheriff’s Department say, “The award  is presented to law enforcement officers who perform actions above and beyond the call of duty; exhibit exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness, and presence of mind; or act with unusual swiftness, regardless of their personal safety, in an attempt to save or protect human life.”

The 10 York County Law Enforcement Officers were awarded the Medal of Valor for their “courage and sacrifice” during encounters with a domestic violence suspect who was armed with an AK-47 Rifle on January 15th and 16th, 2018.

York County Sheriff’s Detective Mike Doty, Sergeant Buddy Brown, and Sergeant Kyle Cummings were shot during a fire fight with the suspect.  Detective Doty died from his injuries on January 17th, 2018.

The following officers received the prestigious award from the Sheriff’s Association.

  • Lt. Heath Clevenger, York County Sheriff’s Office
  • Lt. Mike Ligon, York County Sheriff’s Office
  • Sgt. Buddy Brown, York County Sheriff’s Office
  • Sgt. Randy Clinton, York County Sheriff’s Office
  • Sgt. Grady Gonzales, York County Sheriff’s Office
  • Detective Mike Doty, York County Sheriff’s Office
  • Detective Chris Laurencio, York County Sheriff’s Office
  • Deputy II Cole Greene, York County Sheriff’s Office
  • Sgt. Judd Baird, Clover Police Department
  • Sgt. Kyle B. Cummings, York Police Department
  • Special Agent Wayne Matthews, SLED
  • Special Agent Dennis Tracy, SLED

Detective Doty’s family received the award on his behalf.

“I’ve had many proud moments in my career and I say to these men, this is as proud a moment I’ve ever had in my career to present this Medal of Valor to you and your families,” said Sheriff Tolson in a speech at the ceremony.

“These officers literally stared death in the face in an effort to serve and protect a complete stranger,” Cherokee County sheriff and Sheriff’s Association president Steve Mueller said. “Their actions are worthy of our utmost respect and admiration. These types of stories are far more prevalent than we even recognize, which is what makes this such a noble profession.”

The keynote speaker, Senator Tim Scott, acknowledged the contributions of the officers as well.

It is our great fortune to have so many people like these officers do that so few want to do, but not doing at as a job but as a mission,” said Senator Tim Scott in a speech at the ceremony, “John 15:13 reminds me there’s no greater love than this, that a man or a woman should lay down their life for a friend.  I do think there is something remarkable about laying down your life for a stranger and not for a friend that perhaps as part of our introspection should be to appreciate the magnitude of sacrifice when people are running in when everyone else is running away, that’s a powerful thing. So thank you all for doing that.”