The widow of fallen Orangeburg County deputy Cpl. William Howell received a donation Thursday from members of the Orangeburg Mosque.

Michelle Howell accepted the donation from three representatives of the mosque, Anthony Terry, Ameen Shareef and Dr. Shafiqur Rahman.

"We're sensitive to the plight of law enforcement in this area," Terry said as he presented the check. "We have heard how caring and dedicated your husband was, and we wanted to do something for his family and recognize his sacrifice."

Howell was killed early on May 3 after answering a call for protection during a domestic dispute. A Holly Hill man confronted the 16-year law enforcement veteran with a firearm and shot him once at close range. The suspect was hit by a car as he fled the scene and died.

Terry said the mosque collected more than the goal members set for themselves.

Michelle Howell, in a simple, tearful response, said, "Thank you so very much."

Orangeburg County Sheriff Larry Williams said he was impressed that the members of the mosque wanted to do something for Mrs. Howell in the wake of her loss.

"Support after the fact is so important," Williams said. "William Howell and I were very close. He was a gentleman among gentlemen."

"One of the most dreadful things a sheriff can encounter is the loss of one of his deputies," he added. "The efforts of these gentlemen from the Orangeburg Mosque shows that we continue to love and think about him.

"For their love and care, I want to thank these gentlemen."

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