Fallen Heroes

deputy-austin-aldridgeDeputy First Class Austin Derek Aldridge


Age, 25

Tour of Duty: 3 years
Badge Number: 186
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Offender: Subcomed to his injuries before trial


Deputy Sheriff Austin Aldridge was shot and killed while responding to a domestic call at 3:20 pm on Chaffee Drive in Spartanburg.

When Deputy Aldridge approached the house, he was ambushed by the subject. Bystanders gave medical aid to Deputy Aldridge until EMS arrived and then provided responding officers with a description of the subject and his vehicle.

Another deputy spotted the subject and attempted a traffic stop. The man pretended to surrender but shot at the deputy, who returned fire before fleeing again. After crashing his vehicle, the subject engaged in another shootout before running into the woods, where members of the SWAT team and a police canine took him into custody. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. No officers were injured in the pursuit and apprehension of the subject.

Deputy Aldridge was transported to the hospital and succumbed to his wounds at 9:26 pm.

The man who murdered Deputy Aldridge died in custody prior to his trial for capital murder.

Deputy Aldridge had served with the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office for three years. He is survived by his expectant wife, who gave birth to a daughter months later.

18725Deputy Sheriff Kevin Earl Carper


Age, 39
Tour of Duty: 12 years
Badge Number: 547
Cause of Death: Gunfire 
Date of Incident: Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Offender: Shot and killed


Deputy Sheriff Kevin Carper was shot and killed during a foot pursuit of a suspect who fled during a traffic stop.

The driver of the vehicle fled on foot as soon as Deputy Carper attempted to stop him on Midway Park Drive shortly after 10:00 pm.

A struggle ensued when Deputy Carper caught the suspect. The man produced a .38 caliber handgun and shot Deputy Carper twice. One round was stopped by his vest but the second round entered one of the vest's armholes, causing a fatal wound to the chest. The assailant was shot by Deputy Carper and a second deputy. The killer was transported to a local hospital where he died a short time later.

Deputy Carper had served with the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office for 12 years. He is survived by his wife and three daughters.

A monument on I-85, at Exit 69, was placed in memory of Deputy Carper and a bridge on Highway 129, crossing over I-85 in Spartanburg County, has been named in his memory. The memorial was later moved to Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office.

Berry Iii_John W.Deputy First Class John William "Petey" Berry III


Tour of Duty: 


Deputy First Class John William “Petey” Berry, III tested positive for COVID September 2, 2021. DFC Berry submitted the test results and began his leave under FFCRA (Families First Coronavirus Response Act) on September 2, 2021. The following week he was admitted to the hospital where he remained until passing away on September 19, 2021. As provided by Public Law 116-157 (34 U.S.C. § 10281 note), Deputy First Class Berry’s death from COVID-19 is presumed to be an injury sustained in the line of duty and directly and proximately resulting in his death as he engaged in a line of duty action or activity during the covered period; he contracted COVID-19 within 45 days and had complications therefrom at the time of his death on September 19, 2021.

DFC Berry faithfully served as a School Resource Officer with Spartanburg School District Seven, where he was admired by students, staff, and his fellow deputies. A devoted husband and father, he was deeply loved by his family and community.
DFC Berry was inducted into the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame — a lasting recognition of his sacrifice and dedication to protecting others. Though he passed on September 19, 2021, his impact and legacy live on in the lives he touched.