Work for memorial for fallen law enforcement begins at Statehouse

COLUMBIA -- James Guerry was only 8 years old when his father, a Georgetown policeman Spencer Guerry, was shot and killed during a traffic stop.

Spencer Guerry died on March 9, 1994, two days after being shot in the face with a 9 mm handgun.

"That's something he did for me," said his widow, Sally Guerry.

The Guerrys knew the dangers of the job. Spencer Guerry's grandfather, Berkley County officer Warren Guerry, was killed in the line of duty in 1946.

Spencer and Warren Guerry will be two of the 302 names on a memorial to fallen officers that is being added to the Statehouse grounds.

"I think it's important for everyone to remember the sacrifice they made for this state," said James Guerry, now a 19-year-old University of South Carolina student.

Ground was broken for the $500,000 monument on Wednesday.

It is scheduled for completion in August, but will not be dedicated until lawmakers return in January.

Eight Spartanburg County officers who died in the line of duty will be memorialized, as will two each from Cherokee and Union counties.

Spartanburg Public Safety Director Tony Fisher called the monument a fitting tribute.

"This is a token of appreciation for folks who have chosen their profession knowing that at some moment they may have to give the ultimate sacrifice," Fisher said. "It's nice to see them receive this level of recognition."

It's been nearly 38 years since a Spartanburg County law enforcement officer was killed in action.

Joe Cletus Wall, a member of the Chesnee Police Department, died on June 9, 1967.

Fisher said the county is fortunate go have gone so long without losing an officer.

"Every day and every night we're thankful that no one has been killed in the line of duty," Fisher said.

"I think it's a combination of citizens respecting the men and women in uniform and all of the training provided for officers. They do a lot of things right."

Robert W. Dalton can be reached at 562-7274 or

bob.dalton@shj.com.

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