Florence, South Carolina, October 4, 2025
News Summary
The Florence community solemnly reflects on the seventh anniversary of a mass shooting that took the lives of two officers and injured several others. The annual Heroes Day ceremony pays tribute to the courage and sacrifices of law enforcement, creating a sense of unity among residents. This year, the perpetrator was sentenced to two life sentences and additional years for attempted murder, highlighting the ongoing impact of that tragic day.
Florence Marks Seventh Anniversary of Mass Shooting That Claimed Lives of Two Officers
Florence, South Carolina, remembers the tragic events of October 3, 2018, as the community marks the seventh anniversary of a mass shooting that wounded five law enforcement officers and claimed the lives of two. The somber anniversary serves as a time to reflect on the courage displayed by those who serve and protect while paying tribute to fallen officers.
The shooting occurred when officers were serving a search warrant at the Vintage Place subdivision. Florence Police Sergeant Terrence Carraway and Florence County Investigator Farrah Turner were killed during the incident. Carraway died on the same day of the shooting, while Turner succumbed to her injuries 19 days later, on October 22, 2018. The wounded officers, including Florence Police Officers Brian Hart, Travis Scott, Scott Williamson, and Florence County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Arie Davis, along with Investigator Sarah Miller, all survived the harrowing attack.
In October 2023, Fred Hopkins Jr., 80, pleaded guilty to two counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder related to the shooting. Hopkins received consecutive life sentences for the murder charges, along with 30 years for each attempted murder charge, resulting in a combined total of two life sentences and an additional 150 years.
Annual Commemoration and Community Response
To honor the memory of these officers, an annual ceremony takes place outside the police department at the Florence City Center. This event has become a cornerstone of remembrance in the community, with local residents and law enforcement coming together to pay their respects. Since 2019, October 3 has been officially declared “Heroes Day” in Florence County, allowing the community to collectively recognize and appreciate the sacrifices made by law enforcement officials.
The Farrah Turner Foundation plays a significant role in the annual observance by providing lunch for nearly 300 law enforcement officers as part of Heroes Day festivities. This gesture not only nourishes the officers but also serves as an opportunity for the community to express gratitude for their service. Katie Godwin, Turner’s mother, has emphasized how Heroes Day allows her family to give back while navigating their grief from such a significant loss.
Impact on the Community
The impact of that tragic day on Florence continues to reverberate through the community. The memories of Carraway and Turner remain alive in the hearts of those who knew them and of community members who have been inspired by their dedication to their duty. The anniversary of the mass shooting serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by those in law enforcement and reinforces the community’s support for local officers.
As the community observes this anniversary each year, it reflects not only on the loss but also on the resilience and camaraderie of the local law enforcement community. The ceremonies, gatherings, and acts of kindness foster a sense of unity and recognize the ongoing sacrifices made to ensure public safety.
Key Facts
- Date of shooting: October 3, 2018
- Location: Vintage Place subdivision, Florence, South Carolina
- Officers killed: Sgt. Terrence Carraway and Investigator Farrah Turner
- Officers wounded: Brian Hart, Travis Scott, Scott Williamson, Arie Davis, Sarah Miller
- Perpetrator: Fred Hopkins Jr.
- Sentencing: Two life sentences for murder, 150 years for attempted murder
- Annual ceremony: Yes, outside Florence City Center
- Local observance: Heroes Day since 2019
- Foundation involvement: Farrah Turner Foundation provides lunch for law enforcement officers
FAQ
What happened on October 3, 2018?
A mass shooting occurred in Florence, South Carolina, resulting in the deaths of two officers and injuries to five others.
Who were the officers killed in the shooting?
Florence Police Sgt. Terrence Carraway and Florence County Investigator Farrah Turner were the two officers killed during the event.
What is Heroes Day?
Heroes Day is observed on October 3 each year in Florence County to honor the fallen officers and celebrate the contributions of law enforcement officials.
How has the community responded to the tragedy?
The community holds an annual ceremony and participates in acts of remembrance to honor the sacrifice of the officers and show support for local law enforcement.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Responses in Columbus County Amid Crime and Progress
Nationwide ‘Swatting’ Hoaxes Create Panic as Classes Begin
Florence, South Carolina Faces Clean Water Challenges
Florence Community Grieves the Loss of Teacher Dorothy Gerald
Florence After 5 Kicks Off 15th Season
Pee Dee: Costa King Cockfield Receives Order of the Palmetto
New 109-Home Subdivision Proposed in Florence
Former Florence County Deputy Faces Serious Legal Troubles
Additional Resources
- WPDE: Florence Officers Remembered
- WLWT: One Year Anniversary of Florence Mass Shooting
- Cincinnati Enquirer: Revisiting Florence Mass Shooting
- Fox19: Victims of NKY Mass Shooting Identified
- Kentucky Lantern: Impact of Florence Mass Shooting
- Wikipedia: Mass Shootings in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mass Shooting
- Google Search: Florence Mass Shooting
- Google Scholar: Florence Mass Shooting
- Google News: Florence Mass Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
