The annual Lexington County Law Enforcement Memorial Service took on special significance this year, as another name was added to the downtown Lexington memorial commemorating county officers killed in the line of duty.

Cpt. Drew Barr, a Cayce K9 officer who was shot and killed responding to a domestic violence call on April 24, 2022, was a focal point during the ceremony, which took place at the memorial located in Lexington Square Park. 

“11 years ago law enforcement leaders across this county met with the idea of remembering our fallen officers of Lexington County,” Lexington Police Chief Terrence Green said during his opening remarks. “With the help of our community, businesses, local government, we memorialize our officers so citizens will never forget their ultimate sacrifice. 

“The dates on the wall range from 1897 to 2022. I encourage you to look up these officers on the National Law Enforcement Memorial website and read each of their stories. We would also like to send our prayers to the Barr family, the Cayce Police Department and the citizens of Cayce.”

Cayce Police Chief Chris Cowan and Barr’s mother, Sonia Barr, moved the wreath to the center of the memorial after the customary ringing of bells as the names of each of the county’s fallen officers was read aloud. Lexington Mayor Steve MacDougall presented Cowan with the town proclamation marking the occasion.

State Rep. Micah Caskey, whose District 89 covers Cayce, was the featured speaker at the ceremony.

“Today we pay tribute to the officers who have given their lives in the line of duty, and we honor their families who continue to bear this pain and loss,” he said. “In particular, we gather here today to pay special tribute to Officer Drew Barr, who was the latest officer to be added to this monument. Officer Barr was a dedicated and selfless Cayce Police Department officer who lost his life and service to our community a little over a year ago, last April. He made the ultimate sacrifice, and we are forever grateful for his bravery, his commitment to public safety and his willingness to put himself in harm's way to serve and protect others.”

Caskey reflected on the importance of gestures such as the memorial, saying it symbolizes not just the gratitude the county has for its law enforcement but also its governments’ dedication to safeguarding the communities they represent.

“A memorial like this can help inspire future generations to pursue careers in law enforcement and public service,” he said. “We can help instill a sense of civic duty and civic responsibility. It serves as a reminder of the importance of public safety and the role that law enforcement plays in protecting our communities.”