TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE PORTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY 215 IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH THE FAIRFIELD/CHESTER COUNTY LINE TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH COOL BRANCH ROAD (S-20-50) "SCHP PATROLMAN RALPH W. MCCRACKEN MEMORIAL HIGHWAY" AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS ALONG THIS PORTION OF HIGHWAY THAT CONTAIN THE WORDS "SCHP PATROLMAN RALPH W. MCCRACKEN MEMORIAL HIGHWAY".

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, 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 Ralph W. McCracken 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, retains a place of honor in the hearts of its citizens; and

Whereas, as an officer with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Ralph W. McCracken was cruising South Carolina Highway 215 in Fairfield County on Monday, October 12, 1931; and

Whereas, on that date, at the age of twenty-eight, the Branchville native became the first of many brave members of the South Carolina Highway Patrol to give his life in the line of duty; and

Whereas, Patrolman McCracken was enroute to Columbia on his issued motorcycle to join other Patrolmen for an out-of-state assignment; and

Whereas, Patrolman McCracken died by tragically striking another vehicle and authorities at that time ruling the crash was unavoidable for Patrolman McCracken; and

Whereas, Patrolman McCracken had served as a South Carolina Highway Patrolman since July 1, 1930; and

Whereas, there is no greater or more courageous sacrifice a man can make that to lay down his life for a noble cause, as did Patrolman Ralph W. McCracken; and

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly counts it a great privilege to remember Patrolman Ralph W. McCracken, 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; and

Whereas, it would be fitting and proper to recognize Patrolman Ralph W. McCracken's legacy by having a portion of South Carolina Highway 215 in Fairfield County named in his honor. Now, therefore,

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

That the members of the General Assembly request that the Department of Transportation name the portion of South Carolina Highway 215 in Fairfield County from its intersection with the Fairfield/Chester County line to its intersection with Cool Branch Road (S-20-50) "SCHP Patrolman Ralph W. McCracken Memorial Highway" and erect appropriate markers or signs along this portion of highway that contain the words "SCHP Patrolman Ralph W. McCracken Memorial Highway".

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation.