South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)

Curious about a career at SLED? Learn about and apply for opportunities here: https://lnkd.in/g67seh4W #sled #makeadifference #southcarolina #scjobs #nowhiring #job #career

With heavy hearts, we honor SLED K9 Coba’s ultimate sacrifice. “I know last Tuesday, June 11, at about 10 o’clock in the morning, the Lord sent an angel. He sent Coba as that protective shield – an angel,” SLED Chief Mark Keel said at today’s memorial service. “Please pray for every first responder. We need it.” Hundreds of people, including dozens of K9’s and their handlers from across the state, attended Coba’s service at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. K9 Coba was a member of the SLED SWAT Team and SLED’s K9 Tracking Team. He had over 300 deployments, 16 criminal apprehensions, and numerous successful track and criminal surrenders. K9 Coba also had multiple successful article search deployment leading to the discovery of evidence. SLED K9 Coba was killed in action in Newberry County during the apprehension of an armed subject. “Evil didn’t win that day, because Coba was there to protect his teammates,” said SLED Lt. Keith Thrower. Coba served the citizens of South Carolina alongside Special Agent Richard “Cole” Powell. Coba lived with the Powell family. “His demeanor was like no other. His drive was thorugh the roof, and he was truly fearless,” said Special Agent Powell. “We are standing here talking today because you (Coba) laid down your life for us, just like you would have done on any day.” Special thanks the countless law enforcement and community partners who helped with Coba’s memorial, including: -The South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy -The South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association -The Governor’s Office -The Lieutenant Governor’s Office -The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office -The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department -The West Columbia Police Department -The Columbia, West Columbia, and Lexington Fire Departments -The South Carolina Highway Patrol -Bagpiper Jimmy Ryan -McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation -Dunbar Funeral Homes -Storey’s Florist -Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians of the Midlands -South Carolina reporters and photojournalists -The S.C. Law Enforcement Assistance Program (SCLEAP) -The Society of Former Agents (SOFA) of SLED Sympathy cards may be sent to: SLED S/A Cole Powell P.O. Box 21398 Columbia, SC 292211 – 1398 In lieu of flowers or other physical tributes, donations in K9 Coba’s honor may be made to: The Foundation of Former Agents of SLED 541 Shadowood Drive Irmo, SC 29063

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) will celebrate the life and honor the service of K9 Coba, who was killed in the line of duty on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. K9 COBA MEMORIAL SERVICE WHEN: Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. - please arrive early WHERE: S.C. Criminal Justice Academy - 5400 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212 Please no pets. Law enforcement K9s are welcome. Law enforcement officers bringing their K9’s should arrive at the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy promptly at 9:00 a.m. to be in formation. There will be a SLED-only ceremonial procession to the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy. Sympathy cards may be sent to: SLED Special Agent Cole Powell - P.O. Box 21398, Columbia, SC 29221-1398 In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in K9 Coba’s name to: The Foundation of Former Agents of SLED - 541 Shadowood Drive, Irmo, SC 29063

END OF WATCH: SLED K9 COBA It is with great sadness that SLED announces the line of duty death of K9 Coba. K9 Coba, 4, was a Belgian Malinois mix and joined SLED in 2021. During his career, Coba served on SLED’s SWAT Team and SLED’s K9 Tracking Team. Coba participated in numerous trainings and apprehensions that kept communities, SLED’s law enforcement partners, and his SLED SWAT Team safe. Coba served the citizens of South Carolina alongside Special Agent Richard “Cole” Powell. Coba lived with Powell’s family. K9 Coba was killed in action today during the apprehension of an armed subject in Newberry County. During an encounter with SLED, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, and the subject, the subject shot SLED K9 Coba. The subject was shot and transported to the hospital for treatment. SLED and the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office requested the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department to independently investigate the officer involved shooting. Coba will be greatly missed. Details regarding a memorial service will be announced by SLED at the appropriate time.

SLED Agents in the Midlands Region recently attended a former SLED intern’s college graduation. Ahmari Rudolph received his Associate degree in Criminal Justice from Aiken Technical College. He was part of the SLED Spring 2024 Internship group and plans to pursue a career in law enforcement. #internship #criminaljustice #scjobs #makeadifference   More information about SLED’s Internship Program: https://lnkd.in/e2vkn-HT

Fifth grader Hanna Lapina, 10, who attends Cooley Springs-Fingerville Elementary School in Chesnee, SC, won the 2024 National Missing Children's Day Poster Contest! This is believed to be the first time a South Carolina student has won the national contest. There were over 1,300 submissions this year. Lapina, along with her family, school representatives, and SLED’s Missing Person Information Center Coordinator Special Agent Alex Schelble, attended the Department of Justice Missing Children's Day commemoration in Washington, D.C. The commemoration serves as a reminder to continue our efforts to reunite missing children with their families. This is also an occasion to honor those dedicated to this cause. The National Missing Children's Day Poster Contest is designed to promote awareness and engage teachers, parents/guardians, and children in discussions about safety. Lapina’s poster will be displayed at the Department of Justice and congressional offices. It will be used in publications, exhibits, displays and on websites. National Missing Children's Day is dedicated to encouraging parents, guardians, caregivers, and others concerned with the well-being of children to make child safety a priority. #NationalMissingChildrensDay #missingchildren

Over the next several weeks, SLED Summer 2024 Interns will have the opportunity to learn about the variety of specializations led by subject matter experts in criminal investigations, cyber security, law enforcement assistance, forensic science, and more. Chief Mark Keel and Assistant Chief Richard Gregory, along with Special Agents and support staff met with the group to speak about the variety of career paths possible at SLED. Learn how to apply for a SLED Internship here: https://lnkd.in/e2vkn-HT

SLED Special Agent Bralion “BJ” E. Hyatt, Jr. was recognized as a finalist for the 2023 State Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and recently had the honor of receiving the Billy Wilkins Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement. S/A Hyatt began his career at SLED in 2016 after graduating from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminology.   S/A Hyatt is a member of SLED’s SWAT Team and Bloodhound Assistant Team (BAT), where he assists law enforcement partners in dangerous situations across the state. He also serves as a task force officer (TFO) for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and focuses on Opioid and Fentanyl related drug trafficking and overdose death investigations.   S/A Hyatt was one of 13 statewide finalists for Governor McMaster’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award program. The Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office presents the Billy Wilkins Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement to law enforcement officers who have displayed outstanding qualities in the execution of their duties in the field and in the courtroom.

During National Police Week, we honor and remember the hard work and sacrifice of law enforcement officers.    Last year SLED K9 Rico was killed in the line of duty. SLED continues to remember his service and honor his memory.    #NationalPoliceWeek #LawEnforcementAppreciation

SLED Special Agent Robert E.B. Williams was inducted into the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame this week. Robert Edward Boone “Bob” Williams joined SLED in 1972 as a Special Agent to work in Narcotics Investigations, now known as SLED’s Alcohol, Narcotics & Vice Services. On Monday, April 8, 1974, Agent Williams was working an undercover drug investigation in Darlington County. Agent Williams was driving near Hartsville with four other people in the car and was en route to make an undercover drug buy. One of the drug subjects opened fire from the back seat, striking the confidential informant in the head. Agent Williams was struck several times in the face and back. Agent Williams was able to draw his revolver, return fire, and physically subdued the subject. Agent Williams then walked to a house about a quarter of a mile away to call for medical attention. Everyone injured was taken to the hospital in Hartsville for treatment. A fragment of the bullet that struck Agent Williams in the face resulted in the loss of his right eye. Another bullet was lodged near his heart. It was determined that the surgery to remove the bullet was too dangerous, so it was left in place. Agent Williams was hospitalized for a month but later returned to duty at SLED. On May 23, 1974, Agent Williams received the South Carolina Bravery Award from the Claims Management Association of South Carolina. On August 21, 1975, Agent Williams fell ill at work and was taken to the Colleton County Hospital. He was then transported to North Trident Hospital in Charleston, where he passed away. It was determined that a blood clot from the previous gunshot wound had dislodged, causing a cardiac event that resulted in his death. Agent Williams was one of six officers inducted into the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame this year. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame is a division of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.