Some people might not realize it, but today marks exactly one year since the police ambush that killed two officers and wounded five happened in Vintage Place in Florence. As we are waking up and getting our day started, I think it's important for us to remember that Florence Police Sgt. Terrence Carraway and Florence County Sheriff's investigator Farrah "Maxine" Turner are not waking up today, and their families and friends have to live without them.
It was October 3, 2018 when police officers went to Frederick Hopkins' house to serve a search warrant on his son Seth. Fred Hopkins ambushed the officers-- when they get out of their cars, Hopkins opened fire without warning. Fred is charged with murder and remains in jail to this day awaiting trial, and his son Seth was eventually charged with 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct.
I remember clearly the events of that day. I was in my house, less than a mile from the neighborhood where it happened and heard police sirens outside. My friend called me to make sure I was safely indoors, and then we texted back and forth for hours, watching the news and refreshing social media to try and get as much information as possible. In the following days and weeks the whole community came together for memorials and funerals for Sgt. Carraway, and eventually for investigator Turner also as she would succumb to her injuries. It was a heartbreaking time, but we all remained #FlorenceStrong.
Although nothing can bring back Terrence Carraway or Farrah Turner, and nothing can make whole again the other 5 officers who were wounded, it is comforting to know that their memories will not be forgotten.
WPDE reports:
Florence "has declared every October 3 "Heroes Day" to honor two police officers killed and five wounded in a shooting.
Florence County Council approved the proclamation at its September meeting.
The proclamation will be presented to the families of the slain officers at a ceremony planned for this Oct. 3 on the anniversary of the 2018 shooting."