Deputy Ryan Rawl
This week I traveled to Columbia, South Carolina to provide training to Law Enforcement Officers and members of the South Carolina Attorney General's Office. Therefore, I focused my search for someone to honor with an act of kindness to that area. I am so glad I did because I discovered someone most deserving. Ryan Rawl was a Deputy with the Richland County Sheriff's Department. His last assignment with the Sheriff's Department was as a school resource officer where he was a popular role model to the children. But, Deputy Rawl was so much more than this. He was also a standout student athlete in high school, a graduate of the Citadel and a First Lieutenant with the South Carolina Army National Guard. He was an uncle, a brother, a son, a husband and a father. On June 20, 2012, First Lt. Rawl along with two other members of the S.C. Army National Guard were killed by a suicide bomber while serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Ryan left behind a wife and two children (ages 2 and 4).
By all accounts Ryan was the kind of leader and role model we should all aspire to be. While at the Citadel he received an award for outstanding service on the Honor Court and led classmates in Bible study. After graduating from the Citadel Ryan joined the Richland County S.O. and won awards for Deputy of the Quarter and Deputy of the Year. During his service with the Army National Guard Ryan was a platoon leader and earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart among many other commendations.
Each time I hear about the loss of a person with the character and leadership qualities of Ryan Rawl I can't help but wonder how the world ever recovers from the loss of someone like this at such a young age. I have to believe the only way it does is for us all to become more like him and carry on the good work Ryan did in this world in the short time he was here.
In honor of Ryan we have made a donation to the Richland County Sheriff's Foundation. The Sheriff's Foundation was formed with the objective of purchasing bullet proof vests for unprotected officers in the field. The Foundation has also been instrumental in raising funds to purchase other needed equipment for the Sheriff's Department. With our donation we are keeping Ryan's spirit alive as it was the honorable life that he led that inspired our act of kindness. And wouldn't it be meaningful if our donation in Ryan's honor were used to purchase equipment that may one day save the life of another officer.
Please take a minute to visit the Richland County Sheriff's Foundation site and learn more about the great work they do to support their officers. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation you may send them to:
Richland County Sheriff's Foundation
PO Box 1182
Columbia, South Carolina 29202
Or, as always, I encourage you to take a moment and send a card or letter of appreciation and support to Ryans' family. You may send them to:
Family of Ryan Rawl
C/O Richland County Sheriff's Office
5623 Two Notch Road
Columbia, South Carolina 29223
Mourners along the funeral procession of Ryan Rawl (photos by Tiffany Barkley)
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