With flags flying at half-staff throughout Florence on Thursday, families say a heaviness could be felt by the entire town as the community mourns the loss of Sergeant Terrence Carraway.
Sgt. Carraway was shot and killed Wednesday evening.
“He was more than just an officer, he was more than just someone in blue.” said employee of Florence Public Library, Deborah Bartel.
Bartel says Carraway was a mentor, a coach, and a friend to people. He could be found helping to connect neighborhoods and keep them safe throughout Florence.
He also patrolled the library weekly.
“But then you think about the memories and what he did and your mind keeps going back to those things and you see him in those places. I see him back at the after school program with the students, mentoring them, playing basketball with them.” said Bartel.
Longtime friend, Leonard Johnson says he met Carraway 30 years ago at a rec league basketball game.
“He was called to do this job, because the community loved him.”
Johnson says his son now works at the detention center in Effingham and went into law enforcement because he was inspired by his “Uncle T” growing up.
“When I spoke with him last night he was like ‘Oh my God not Uncle T’ and I was like ‘yes uncle T.” Johnson said.
