LAKE CITY, SC (WBTW) – The Greater St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church is honoring fallen Florence County Investigator Farrah Turner with a memorial inside the sanctuary.
Investigator Turner, who died on Monday after being shot in an ambush in the Vintage Place neighborhood in Florence, attended the church as a child. In her honor, the church draped a thin blue line flag over the altar. Reverend Ralph Singletary says the display is in remembrance of Investigator Turner and also serves as a token of respect and gratitude for all law enforcement. He says law enforcement is currently under attack due to misconceptions and animosity toward officers. He tells News13 he hopes the memorial will serve as a reminder of the humanity of police officers.
“Police officers are people just like us. Their job is very hazardous. We as a people have to come together and try to help law enforcement in any way we can. Because we need them,” he said. “You have to be a very unique person to walk around to help other people knowing that you’re walking in the line of fire.”
As the church prays for comfort and healing, they also pray for the day no law enforcement officer is killed or injured in the line of duty. Members of the church say Investigator Turner was senselessly attacked while doing a job she loved while serving a community she loved.
“Naturally the church is torn by something like this especially with young people. It lets us know that there’s a lot of things going on in the world that need to be addressed. It’s tragic,” said Reverend Singletary. “We know that we have to pray and we have to do other things but we have to come together as a community.”
He also says Investigator Turner had a giving heart and was always helping others. He described her as “energetic”, “good to get along with”, and “fair.” Pastor Richard Crummy says he was always very impressed with Investigator Turner and the way she ministered to others and put their needs before her own. Another member of the church recalled Turner as having a “sweet demeanor” and a “nice personality.” She says she never caused any trouble and was always respectful.
The Florence County Sheriff’s Office says Investigator Turner will be laid to rest on Sunday. Her funeral will be held at noon at the Florence Center.
