Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

COLUMBIA, SC -- Every day hundreds of officers patrol streets to protect citizens.

Tragically, some make the ultimate sacrifice doing their duty.

Family, friends, and comrades are honoring last year's fallen heroes in a special way.

Officers stand at attention as they remember some of their own Wednesday.

A memorial day for those who died in 2008 and those killed in the line of duty.

On February 2, 2008, South Carolina Highway Patrol Lance Corporal James Daryll Haynes, II was killed when his car skidded off a wet road and hit a utility pole.

His widow, Angie Haynes, thinks this is an appropriate way to remember her husband.

"Really honored that they had the ceremony today. It brings back a lot of memories."

Three months later, Corporal William Howell, Jr. with the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Department was killed while responding to a domestic dispute. Investigators say Derrick Buras shot the officer, then his wife ran over Corporal Howell with a car.

Diana Bazzle can understand what Corporal Howell's family felt.

"Lost - most of us just lost. We don't know what to think."

Bazzle lost her son-in-law on August 6th. Colleton County Deputy Dennis Compton was responding to a house alarm when he was shot to death near Smoaks.

Looking back is not easy for his widow - Tabatha Compton.

"It was very difficult, but it's wonderful. I mean they couldn't have done anything better for these gentlemen who lost their lives."

But it was not in vain.

All three officers are now in the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame.