The day's program for May 9, 2024, "Blue & Gold Ceremony" was introduced by Club Program Chairman, Dan Isgett. Our guest Speaker was Charleston County Sheriff Kristen Graziano. This recognition is presented annually by the Exchange Club of Charleston SC.
The Award recipients were Charleston County Deputies James Gilbreath and Evan Cubbage and Mount Pleasant Police Officer Adam Blakenship who were injured in the line of duty during calendar year 2023.
May 7, 2023:
Deputies Evan Cubbage and Alexander Hodge were conducting a traffic stop on Savannah Highway. During the traffic stop, the passenger exited the vehicle, brandishing a handgun, and started shooting at both deputies. Deputy Cubbage was stuck three times during the incident. Deputy Hodge was not injured during the incident.
September 28, 2023:
Master Deputy James Gilbreath responded to the scene as a SWAT member during a search for a wanted suspect who had previously shot at a deputy. During an encounter with the armed suspect, Master Deputy James Gilbreath was wounded by a gunshot fired by the suspect. Also, during this incident, SLED K9 Rico was mortally wounded by the suspect as Rico was assisting the deputies on the scene.
December 8, 2023:
Mount Pleasant Police Officer Adam Blankenship conducted a traffic stop. The suspect fled on foot. Office Blankenship chased the suspect on foot. During the foot pursuit, Officer Blankenship attempted to cross Hungry Neck Boulevard and was struck by a vehicle causing serious injuries.
The Club recognized a Club Grant check presentation by Roy Deloney to Operation Patriots FOB. OPFOB is creating a place for Veterans to come together, relax, and have a good time with their brothers and sisters. A space where they feel accepted and are able to open up without doctors hovering over them trying to analyze the worst days of their lives with a textbook diagnosis. Instead, they’re giving them the opportunity to regain that connection to the people who will understand the most and ask the least. For more information: https://www.opfob.org/