Community bids farewell to SC Transport Officer at funeral services
(WPDE) — Several communities mourned the loss of State Transport Police Officer Mark S. Reynolds as he was laid to rest Sunday in Florence.
Reynolds passed away last Wednesday evening after a medical emergency during training, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.
Mark Reynolds, 43, was a native of Florence County assigned to Florence, Georgetown, and Williamsburg counties.
Officer First Class Reynolds, joined the State Transport Police in 2022 after serving as a firefighter for more than a decade.
He was the first transport police officer to lose his life while serving the state of South Carolina.
Several officers, troopers, firefighters, and other first responders from agencies across the state attended the funeral service to pay their respects.
It was held at the Florence Center and graveside services were held at Elim Baptist Church Cemetery.
A close family member of Reynolds said he was a man of faith and a hero he looked up to.
He was a man firm in his faith, he knew what it meant to be a man who lived his life to the glory of God and to live out his God-given purpose here on this earth, I would love one more time to hear that chuckle. Mark was my cousin, but he was much more than that. He was my friend, he said.
Pastors quoted scriptures to give loved ones strength during such a difficult and tragic time.
The service was spent honoring Reynolds’ life, singing songs, and sharing heartfelt memories.
Chief William “Billy” Dillon with Howe Springs Fire Dept. said Reynolds was an amazing man who loved God, his family, and his work.
The only thing that gives me peace about standing up here today… this one’s tough. I’ve always said Mark will live forever just because that boy didn’t look like he had any stress whatsoever on his face, and so this was a tough phone call that day, but I’m a better man for knowing Mark Reynolds, we love him to death. Our prayers will continue to be with you and thank you, said Dillon.
The final moments of the service concluded with his final radio call.
This is the final call for X-ray 113 officer First Class Mark Reynolds end of watch Wednesday, September 4, 2024, thank you for your service, Officer First Class Reynolds, you can rest in peace. We have it from here.
