FLORENCE, S.C. — Loved ones, law enforcement, and even strangers packed a venue in Florence, S.C. to honor one of the bravest men to wear the uniform.
“Let’s celebrate the life of our dear brother, soldier, officer, Terrance Carraway,” shouted Rev. Samuel Fulmore at the Florence Center.
The community gathered Monday to pay their final respects to Sgt. Carraway who was killed during an ambush last week.
“We gather today, not because Sgt. Carraway died. We’re here because he lived,” said Fulmore.
The flags outside the center were at half-staff, and balloons were laid on top and around a Florence Police cruiser as makeshift tributes to the veteran officer served as a reminder of the close-knit community.
Sgt. Carraway, a father, husband and 30-year highly decorated veteran with Florence Police rushed to the scene of an ambush last week. The 52-year-old was shot as soon as he stepped out of his car.
“For those of us who had the pleasure of working with him, you know he wasn’t afraid of anything,” said friend and Darlington County Sheriff Tony Chavis.
“If you find such a friend, you feel happy and complete,” said one of Carraway’s closest friends while fighting back tears.
Six others were hurt in the attack while trying to serve a warrant. The gunman was identified by authorities as 74-year-old Frederick Hopkins. He was charged with Carraway's murder Friday.
Carraway left behind a wife and son.
"This has been a horrendous evening," said Florence Police Chief Allen Heidler said Wednesday, the day Sgt Carraway died. "Today marks a horrible day, I lost a good friend of mine, my friend for 30 years.
"We will take care of our family because this is my family. These officers are my family. But I want you to please pray for these officers and their speedy recovery. Pray for the family who lost the bravest police officer that I have ever known."
On Saturday, Carraway was honored at his alma mater, Livingstone College in Salisbury, during the homecoming football game. A moment of silence was held in his honor and former teammates and classmates spoke highly of their late friend.
"He was just a straight-forward guy," said former teammate Bennie Gibson. "Great personality, dedicated, local. And if he was your friend, he was definitely your friend."
"The type of guy he was, he didn't deserve what happened to him...it's just devastating," Gibson added.
NBC Charlotte's Billie Jean Shaw contributed to this report.
