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Committee approves 'Gold Shield Day' to honor families of fallen first responders
Summary
Senate Bill 868, designating June 1 as Gold Shield Day to honor first responders killed in the line of duty and their families, was advanced out of committee following testimony from law enforcement veterans, surviving family members and Upstate Warrior Solution; the bill was reported favorably by voice vote and carries no cost to the state as presented.
The Veteran Services Committee voted to report Senate Bill 868 favorably after testimony from multiple witnesses including a law-enforcement veteran, a surviving spouse and a nonprofit leader. S868 would designate June 1 of each year as Gold Shield Day to honor first responders killed in the line of duty and the sacrifice of their surviving families.
Dave Weiner, who said he has served in law enforcement more than 25 years, told the committee he supported S868 because "when we talk about fallen first responders, we're talking about families whose lives are changed forever instantly and without warning." Weiner described long-term contacts with families after line-of-duty deaths and said the bill acknowledges that those families remain part of the service.
Bryce Copeland Martin, who identified herself as the widow of Greenville County Deputy Drew Mazur, described the personal toll of her husband's death and urged the committee to adopt a state-level day of recognition. Martin gave the date of Drew Mazur's death as August 17, 2003, and said state recognition helps keep families' sacrifices visible over time.
Theresa Thompson, chief operating officer of Upstate Warrior Solution, told the committee her organization plans events around June 1 and argued state designation would be "far more visible, far more meaningful, and more lasting for South Carolina families." Thompson said, "Over the years, South Carolina has lost roughly 436 law enforcement officers and around 100 firefighters in the line of duty," and added the bill "carries no cost to the state." She also noted a 2025 U.S. House resolution recognizing Gold Shield families but said that resolution is symbolic and has not produced consistent state-level awareness.
Senator Spartanburg moved to report the bill favorably; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The committee reported S868 out favorably and discussion emphasized that local organizations and communities would likely lead observances and that the designation is intended to provide ongoing recognition rather than immediate financial benefits.
Next steps: S868 will be reported from committee as recommended; implementation details and event coordination at the local level were identified as practical follow-ups by witnesses and members.
