The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is being honored through a new initiative led by the Society of Former Agents of SLED and its 501(c)(3) subsidiary, the Foundation of Former Employees of SLED (FFESLED). The foundation has announced efforts to establish a permanent K9 Memorial at SLED Headquarters.
The memorial will honor K9 agents who have lost their lives in the line of duty while also recognizing all K9s that have faithfully served the State of South Carolina with dedication and distinction. Organizers are encouraging community members to support the project through financial contributions.
SLED’s K9 program has a long and distinguished history dating back to 1947, when then-Sergeant J.P. Strom—who later became chief—personally purchased the agency’s first bloodhounds. Since then, the program has expanded significantly and now includes narcotics detection K9s, explosive detection K9s, accelerant detection K9s, and utility/patrol K9s, all of which play a critical role in protecting communities across the state.
The proposed memorial design features seven towers, representing each SLED unit with K9 assets. A seventh “Honor Tower” will be dedicated to those K9 agents who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to South Carolina.
Residents who wish to contribute can donate through a secure online campaign at GoFundMe:
https://gofundme/eb169686
Checks may also be made payable to:
Foundation of Former Employees of SLED (FFESLED)
Please include “K9 Projects” in the memo line and mail to:
Jim Martin, Treasurer
541 Shadowood Drive
Irmo, SC 29063
For more information or donation inquiries, call 803-521-5819.