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South Carolina Officer Killed Cleaning Debris From Roadway

by Leah AnayaJanuary 12, 2021

Horry County, SC – Officer Melton “Fox” Gore with the Horry County Police Department was killed in a crash on Tuesday afternoon.

The 57-year-old officer was removing debris from the roadway on Hwy 22 near the intersection of Hwy 31 around 4 pm. Police say he was hit by a 2007 Mazda SUV.

It wasn’t reported whether the driver of the SUV would be facing charges, but Horry County Police Chief Joseph Hill said, “I’m pretty sure that person did not start off the day thinking they were going to kill a police officer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to that driver.”

Chief Hill also said, “That’s typical of Fox, if you knew him. He cared about this community. Most people may have passed that debris by, swerve around it, but not Fox. He wanted to make sure nobody was hurt by it.”

Officer Gore was with HCPD for over 20 years serving in the environmental services unit. He was described as a caring person and well known in the county for his good cooking.

Chief Hill said, “I never would’ve thought I’d be in front of you again announcing the death of one of our officers, but here we are. I will never forget the brief conversation we had [Tuesday] because on his way out, he says, ‘can’t wait until I can cook for you again.’ Unfortunately that won’t happen.”

The Chief asked that drivers be more mindful of what’s on the roadway when driving. He said, “It’s a tough time for the Horry County Police Department, its members, and our community.”

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Horry County, Line of Duty Death, Officer Down, Officer Melton “Fox” Gore, South Carolina

About The Author

Leah Anaya

Leah Anaya is a medically retired police officer. She served for three years at the Oakland Police Department, and just under five at a department in Washington State. Before that, she was an intelligence analyst in the US Army. She is now a stay at home mom living with her husband, who is still serving as a police officer, and their three children. She also grew up as the daughter of a police officer in California. Leah is now a writer and Deputy Editor at Law Enforcement News Network as well as the Business Manager for Washington State FOP. She's a peer support advocate for The Wounded Blue and Serve and Protect. You can find her on social media @leahmsanaya or at www.leahanaya.com.