Fallen Aiken Public Safety Officer Honored At Scholarship Breakfast

Three weeks ago, Aiken Department of Public Safety Master Corporal Sandra (Sandy) Rogers died in the line of duty after she stopped a suspicious vehicle at Eustis Park.

On Saturday, hundreds of people in Aiken came to honor the fallen hero at a pancake breakfast.

“It’s certainly nothing we are ever going to forget about. It’s in our minds, it’s in our hearts and we are moving forward. We are healing but as Sandy said it best, we go on,” said Lieutenant David Turno.

The breakfast conversations at FATZ Café in Aiken, Saturday morning, focused on Rogers, a fallen hero.

“We had people from all over the community. Lots of officers and people that just wanted to come out and do something,” said FATZ Café manager Amy Taylor.

“It’s just another outpouring of this community. The support we’ve had. The cards, events like this. The family’s been amazing,” said Aiken Department of Public Safety director Charles Barranco.

“There are a large number of police officers that are here. They are off duty and you may not know who they are but they are here. There are many officers working today who have stopped in supporting us, supporting the community and of course the community has come out as well,” said  Lt.Turno.

“There are so many that give so much to others, and when tragedy strikes, it’s important that we all band together,” said Taylor.

More than 200 people dined and donated more than $2,000 for a scholarship fund setup at USC Aiken in Sandy’s honor.

“Most of the comments we have heard is thanks for doing this but our response is thank you. You are the ones are turning out and helping,” said Taylor.

Local businesses and churches, as well as members of the community, have offered donations.

Next week, Aiken Department of Public Safety officers will also collect donations for a memorial service in Washington D.C. for the fallen officers.

“We miss these people terribly, but in their memory, we have to continue to serve as professional as we do,” said Lt. Turno.

As part of National Law Enforcement Week, in Washington D.C., Officer Scotty Richardson’s name will be etched at a memorial ceremony in May, and Officer Sandy Rogers’ name will be etched next year.

Aiken Department of Public Safety Officers will announce details about the donation drive for that memorial to send officers and the honor guard next Wednesday.