COLUMBIA –The South Carolina Department of Public Safety mourned the death of State Transport Police Officer Mark S. Reynolds as he was laid to rest yesterday (Sunday) in Florence. The funeral services were held at the Florence Center and graveside services were held at Elim Baptist Church Cemetery.
Officer First Class Mark Reynolds died on September 4 after he experienced a medical emergency that occurred during training earlier that day. He was the first State Transport Police officer to lose his life while serving the state of South Carolina.
“It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to a faithful public servant today,” SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods, IV said. “The passing of Officer First Class Reynolds is nothing short of tragic. Today’s services allowed us to come together with his family, as well as with our law enforcement brothers and sisters, to remember his life and honor his service.”
Reynolds dedicated much of his life to serving his community. He joined the State Transport Police in 2022, after serving as a firefighter for more than a decade. During his time in the fire service, he served three years at Windy Hill Fire Department, five and a half years at City of Florence Fire Department, and volunteered for 12 years at Howe Springs Fire Rescue in Florence. Reynolds also worked as a professional truck driver for four years prior to joining STP, something that blended his favorite things: large trucks and law enforcement.
Officers, troopers, firefighters, and other first responders from agencies across South Carolina came to pay their respects to Reynolds and his family.
“I speak for all of the State Transport Police when I say we deeply mourn the loss of Officer First Class Mark Reynolds,” STP Colonel Dwayne Wilson said. “Throughout his service as a firefighter and as an officer, Mark touched many lives over the years. His dedication to serving his community made him not just a good officer, but a good person. Our sincere condolences go to his family, his friends, and all those who knew him.”
Reynolds is survived by his wife, Brandie, three daughters, parents, brother, sister, and many extended family members.
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The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs, Immigration Enforcement Unit and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors.
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