A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR Deputy Evan Cubbage and Deputy Alexander Hodge OF THE charleston COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND TO CONGRATULATE them ON BEING AWARDED THE SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION MEDAL OF VALOR.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly are pleased to learn that Deputy Evan Cubbage and Deputy Alexander Hodge of the Charleston County Sheriff's Office were awarded the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor on January 25, 2024, for taking quick action that showed fortitude and cool-headedness in protecting others from harm during a life-threatening situation; and

Whereas, the award is presented annually to law enforcement officers who perform actions above and beyond the call of duty; exhibit exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness, and presence of mind; or act with unusual swiftness, regardless of personal safety, in an attempt to save or protect human life; and

Whereas, on May 7, 2023, Deputy Evan Cubbage stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on the Savannah Highway near Ravenel. A passenger showed suspicious behavior, and Deputy Alexander Hodge responded to give assistance to Deputy Cubbage; and

Whereas, moments after Deputy Hodge's arrival, Deputy Cubbage told the passenger to get out of the vehicle, but the man quickly pulled out a gun and started shooting at both deputies. Heroically, Deputy Cubbage pushed Deputy Hodge out of the line of fire as they both sought cover while the gunman fired repeatedly at them. As Deputy Hodge went to the ground, he managed to return fire. He continued to engage the suspect with gunfire while Deputy Cubbage maneuvered behind the suspect and effectively returned fire. The suspect was fatally shot. While Deputy Hodge was spared, multiple bullets hit Deputy Cubbage. Deputy Hodge applied tourniquets to both of Deputy Cubbage's legs. Thankfully, Deputy Cubbage received treatment from the Medical University of South Carolina and was released from care that evening; and

Whereas, though training can help deputies prepare for such situations, it is their own high character that allowed Deputies Cubbage and Hodge to respond to this incident with such heroism and professionalism. From the initial encounter to the exchange of gunfire and administration of medical care, both deputies showed courage, honor, and loyalty in performing their duty while maintaining the highest ideals of law enforcement; and

Whereas, the members of the General Assembly appreciate the courage and dedication of law enforcement officers like Deputy Evan Cubbage and Deputy Alexander Hodge who put their lives on the line every day to provide safety and security and to protect the citizens of our great State. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and honor Deputy Evan Cubbage and Deputy Alexander Hodge of the Charleston County Sheriff's Office and congratulate them on being awarded the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Deputy Evan Cubbage and Deputy Alexander Hodge.

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