WMBFNews.com | Myrtle Beach/Florence, SC | News, Weather, SportsDeputies honored for bravery, awarded Medal of Valor

Deputies honored for bravery, awarded Medal of Valor

FLORENCE, SC (WMBF) - Two Florence County deputies received one of law enforcement's highest honors Wednesday Evening at the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association Conference.

Lt. Jason P. Dore and Investigator Brad S. McDowell were honored with the association's highest honor, the Medal of Valor, for bravery in the line of duty.

The award was based off an Aug. 4, 2008 hostage rescue by the Florence County Sheriff's Office SWAT Unit in Pamplico.  A 13-year-old child was taken hostage by a man who demanded the child's mother be brought to the home or the child would be killed.

Following three hours of negotiations, the hostage situation began to deteriorate and death threats towards the child were made by the suspect.  Dore and McDowell were ordered to make entry into the home as noise and flash devises were used to distract the subject.

Upon entry of the home, the man was found beside the child making additional threats to harm the child.  Dore and McDowell discharged their weapons at the same time, killing the suspect and saving the life of the 13-year-old.

"Because of their heroic actions at great risk of personal harm to themselves, a child's life was saved and a mother was able to hug that child again," said Florence County Sheriff Kenney Boone at the conference. "[Dore and McDowell] would tell you they were just doing their duty, but in our eyes, they are heroes."

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