TO HONOR AND REMEMBER THE SUPREME SACRIFICE MADE BY PATROLMAN MARION CHARLES STEELE OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY PATROL IN THE LINE OF DUTY, AND TO EXPRESS TO HIS FAMILY THE DEEPEST APPRECIATION OF A GRATEFUL STATE FOR HIS LIFE, SACRIFICE, AND SERVICE.
Whereas, in all generations, it behooves an ordered, peaceful society to demonstrate appreciation to those men and women who make possible the safety and security of its citizens; and
Whereas, the people of the great State of South Carolina are singularly blessed with military servicemen and women, police officers, firefighters, rescue personnel, and Highway Patrol officers who serve selflessly, often putting their lives in danger in the delivery of that service; and
Whereas, Patrolman Marion Charles Steele of the South Carolina Highway Patrol stands high among those men and women who have labored to ensure the safety and security of the Palmetto State and who, therefore, retain a place of honor in the hearts of its citizens; and
Whereas, as an officer with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Marion Charles Steele was cruising Route 1 in Chesterfield County on Saturday, September 10, 1966; and
Whereas, on that date, at the age of twenty-eight, the Lancaster native lost his life in the line of duty after stopping a vehicle for speeding; and
Whereas, as Patrolman Steele approached the stopped car, the driver opened fire. Patrolman Steele was able to return fire before he died from his wounds, and the three suspects were apprehended a short time later and convicted; and
Whereas, at the time of his passing, Patrolman Steele had served with the South Carolina Highway Patrol for just over five and a half years. He was survived by his wife and three children; and
Whereas, there is no greater or more courageous sacrifice a man can make than to lay down his life for a noble cause, as did Patrolman Marion Charles Steele; and
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives counts it a great privilege to remember Patrolman Marion Charles Steele, one of the Palmetto State's finest, and the members with one voice offer their grateful thanks to Almighty God for the service and ultimate sacrifice of this valiant son of South Carolina. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor and remember the supreme sacrifice made by Patrolman Marion Charles Steele of the South Carolina Highway Patrol in the line of duty, and express to his family the deepest appreciation of a grateful State for his life, sacrifice, and service.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to the family of Patrolman Marion Charles Steele.