MONCKS CORNER, SC — A community came together Thursday in Moncks Corner to remember two officers killed in the line of duty.
This is the first time in nine years that the town memorialized the two officers in an official ceremony. Corporal Marcus Stiles, 26, and Officer Lonnie Wells, 40, who were killed while responding to a 9-1-1 call in March 2007.
“I would like to apologize for taking nine years to recognize these two officers. On behalf of myself and Chief Ollic, we will never forget what they have given to the town of Moncks Corner,” said Mayor Michael Lockliear.
As Donna Stiles sat through the ceremony, tears trickled down her face. She wiped them away.
“After nine years it still hurts just as much as the day he died. I’ve personally struggled with my grief and still struggle with it,” she said.
Twenty-six-year-old Stiles was her son.
Stiles and Wells were shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call on March 25, 2007, police say. Authorities say the suspect, Gary Douglas, 51, opened fire on the two officers. They say eventually a Berkeley County Sheriff’s deputy shot and killed the suspect after he fled from the scene.
Police officers stood at attention in honor of their two fallen comrades. Family members and friends were seated and other community members gathered around the municipal complex flagpole for the 30 minute ceremony.
More than 50 people were there including the Moncks Corner Mayor, Police Chief Rick Ollic, Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis, First Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson, and the Berkeley County School District spokesman, where Wells worked as a school resource officer and Stiles would work as a fill-in.
“They were dedicated to their profession. Officer Wells was an asset for the students. He was always willing to listen to someone with a concern,” the BCSD said in a statement.
College student 24-year-old Deja Shaw, in town on her spring break, sat in the front row of seats and listened to the stories about the officers and how they impacted the community. What she heard made her proud, because Officer Wells is her hero, her father.
“It feels pretty good that Moncks Corner hasn’t forgotten. I’m proud of the changes that have happened in Moncks Corner and the
police department,” Shaw said. She says it was a nice time to come back to the place she grew up and see many familiar faces.
Police Chief Rick Ollic took the podium, faced the family members, and thanked them.
“They gave the ultimate sacrifice for others. We will never forget your son or your father,” Chief Ollic said.
Family members took a moment to lay a wreath together at the base of the flagpole, which was at half staff for the memorial service.
“We will do this this year and every year under our administration,” Mayor Lockliear promised to those in attendance and to the fallen officers’ family members.
The ceremony ended in prayer, with prayers that officers’ legacy continues to live on and prayers for protecting of all officers who are putting themselves on the line.
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