COLUMBIA -- As they were called out, the names of those fallen in the line of duty echoed not only through the halls of honor but in the hearts of family members left behind.

Police officers and family members from across the state gathered Wednesday for the somber South Carolina Law Enforcement Memorial at the Criminal Justice Academy in Columbia to remember the 10 police officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.

"2002 was the deadliest year for law enforcement in our state's recent history, and today we honor officers that made the ultimate sacrifice," said Alisa Mosley, of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association. "Everyone here is a special guest, and we thank you for attending the service."

Of names called out, one was a native son, a son of Orangeburg County.

Lt. Russell L. "Rusty" Wiles Jr., of the Elloree Police Department, was killed instantly when the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria patrol car he was driving collided head-on with a 1999 Toyota Camry on Nov. 9, 2002.

No one but a family member who has experienced such a tragic loss can understand what a loved one is dealing with, the Rev. Tom Patterson, of the Rock Hill Police Department, told the congregation of over 400.

"Until someone has walked the walk you're walking, until someone has worn your shoes, we haven't a clue of what you're going through," Patterson said. "While we don't know what you're going through, I do want to offer you some hope."

That hope is found in Isaiah 26:3, which says God will sustain those who suffer if they keep Him in mind, Patterson said.

"God plans to keep in perfect peace those that are fixed on Him," he said. "I encourage each of you that have suffered, those of you that have lost this past year, to reach out and stay with the perfect peace that is in Him."

Elloree Police Chief Mark Salazar said Wiles' loss is one of which the department has not overcome. The fallen officer is on the minds of townsfolk and police alike, Salazar said.

"Everybody misses him," Salazar said. "Pretty much, his name comes up in all the conversations around town."

Following the crash, John Henry McMath, 31, of Sweetbriar Apartments, Elloree, was arrested and charged with reckless homicide in Wiles' death.

McMath has been released after a bond-reduction hearing set his bond at $50,000 surety with a 10 percent option.

"He's not in jail," Salazar said. "But he's still awaiting prosecution."

S.C. Highway Patrol investigators said that on that fatal day, around 10:25 a.m., McMath was traveling west on U.S. Highway 176 near Cameron.

Investigators believe McMath attempted to pass a vehicle and collided head-on with Wiles' police cruiser on a bridge over Flea Bite Creek near Cameron.

A SCLEOA banner contains a growing list of Orangeburg officers, which now includes the Elloree officer.

In addition, Wiles' name and the names of the other fallen South Carolina police officers will be added to a national police monument in Washington, D.C.

"These 10 who gave their lives in the line of duty, never shall we forget they paid the ultimate price," Patterson said. "We can rest in comfort, that they rest in the comfort of God's arms. May God bless you. Our prayers are with you, and may He keep you in perfect peace."

The soft tones of "Taps" wafted skyward while the tears of loved ones trickled down cheeks stained by loss.

T&D Staff Writer Richard Walker can be reached by e-mail at rwalker@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5516.

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