Governor Sanford thanks the officers who serve and protect

Thanks.
Somewhere between talking about Paris Hilton and peacemakers, that was the message Gov. Mark Sanford gave to more than 250 people -- most of them police officers -- at the 11th annual Police Honor and Memorial Service on Wednesday morning.

The service at Rock Hill's First Baptist Church on Dave Lyle Boulevard was to honor law enforcement, while paying tribute to slain officers. Some people in the audience were family members of officers killed in the line of duty.

"It's not a job that you do halfway," Sanford said, when discussing the commitment of the job.

Sanford said the service was about peacemakers, and cited a passage from the biblical book of Matthew. He also discussed police as role models.

He used Hilton as an example of a modern role model, but not a lasting one.

"Paris Hilton will be in a movie," Sanford said. "There will never be a movie about Paris Hilton."

Sanford also discussed the courage and responsibility he said police work requires.

"You all consistently walk the walk in what you say you're about," Sanford said. "And in the process, are an inspiration to the rest of us."

But the governor didn't have to convince Rock Hill police Officer Ken Tallmadge.

"It makes me proud to do what I do," said the 36-year-old rookie officer, who has been on the job for about 10 months.

Tallmadge said he had owned his own business in Myrtle Beach, but after 9-11, he had a desire "to do something worthwhile."

"Something was missing," he said. "This filled that void."

Charles D. Perry • 329-4068 | cperry@heraldonline.com