LAURENS, S.C. — Robin Morse, whose law enforcement career spanned 44 years in Laurens County and included a turn as director of the Clinton Department of Public Safety, will be inducted after his death into South Carolina’s Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame later this month.
The hall’s advisory committee voted unanimously to admit Morse for meritorious service, an honor reserved for officers whose work over many years stands out. Morse’s induction comes Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 2 p.m., inside the gym of the state Criminal Justice Academy off Broad River Road in Columbia.
Morse wore several badges over his career. He worked for the Laurens County Sheriff’s Department and the South Carolina Highway Patrol, served as Laurens police chief and later ran public safety in Clinton.
In 2011 he received the Purple Heart, 36 years after he was shot on duty. He retired in 2018 but kept answering calls as a volunteer first responder with the Joanna and Mountville fire departments. He died of cancer in August 2024.
To be considered, a nominee needs at least 25 years in law enforcement and a record of good character and strong work in the state. An officer from the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office was among the seven people inducted in the fall 2024 class.
The hall is part of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety and also works as a museum, holding about 2,000 artifacts and documents along with a restored 1955 Ford Highway Patrol cruiser. Its Memorial Room recognizes more than 400 officers who gave their lives while serving the state.
Section: More Clinton SC crime news
