Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Although Sgt. Freeman has been gone for over 30 years there is not a week that goes by that I do not fondly think of him. I was one of the first Reserve Deputies with Aiken Co. in the mid to late 80's. I quickly learned who to, and who not to ride with as some of the Deputies were against the Reserve program. But I will never forget how Sgt. Charlie Freeman not only made me feel welcomed, but also took me under his wing and taught me so much about the law, and proper procedures about being a new Deputy.

I will never forget one dangerous situation we came upon around 3:00 AM where our weapons had to be drawn. This was the first time I had encountered a situation such as this and I was nervous, but thanks to all of Sgt. Freeman's lessons that I had learned everything turned out well, and we both went home safe that morning.

Later in 1990 when I learned of the tragic event which caused Sgt Freeman's death, I honestly felt as though I had lost my own Father. Because that is how I had begun to think of him during the 2 years I was with Aiken Co. Later when I learned that the scum who caused his death was released after ONLY serving 3 years, I felt a sense of rage inside! I honestly wanted to find out who he was and tear his head off! What a wonderful criminal justice system we have in this country! But I knew this was not the answer, and certainly not what Sgt. Freeman would have taught me.

It's been over 30 years and I'm in my 60's now, but anytime I'm in the area I always go by and visit Sgt. Freeman's resting place. I still think of this gentleman fondly and will never forget him and all he taught me during my time as a Reserve Deputy.

Joey West

March 19, 2022

Never forgotten brother

Judge /Magistrate Sheridan (Danny) Lynn
Former S.C. Highway Patrol

March 6, 2021

Rest inpeace Sergeant Freeman.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 25, 2020

Rest in peace.

J.R.

March 6, 2020

28 years today & it still feels like it was yesterday. I miss your smile, your voice, your hugs, your smell after putting on your Old Spice, I miss my Poppy. I know you are watching over all of us. You were taken too soon. You were robbed of so many memories from your grandkids & now all of your great grandkids. We honor your memory every day & I hope I've made you proud of me. I love you Poppy!!

Bobbie Jo Daughtry-Moore
Poppy's Shadow (oldest grandchild)

March 6, 2018

Rest easy , prayers to your family

Judge /retired SC Trooper Danny Lynn
Aiken County, SC

March 6, 2017

Charley, I still think of you often and your smile when I went to see you in the hospital.

I can't believe it's been 26 years - I will always think of you and remember you Sarge.

You were truly my friend.

Deputy Sheriff
Aiken Couny SO

November 26, 2016

Daddy I miss you more every day. I see you every time I look at my oldest son Adam ., for he now wears the same uniform ,same badge, and serves the very county you did. The many nights I stay awake worrying about him just the same way I worried for you. I pray for him everyday. I know you are watching over him. I can hear you say " Don't you worry ,I got his 6" .

Lori Bennett
Daughter

October 28, 2015

To Lori;
I was in the Academy with your Dad. He was an all around good guy.

Ron Davenport, retired
Greenwood PD

May 30, 2012

My dear dad ,I miss you more than anyone could ever know.As I remember the greatest times ,deep inside I also remember that horrible day .I felt so helpless.Our family has always and still are very strong. You were the rock .As I remember your death I also remember the day we had to bury you.March 9 1990 will always be a hard day,and know March 9 2012 your family will send your grandson and namesake into harms way. He will deploy to Afghanistan. I can say without a blink you will be there to watch over him.

lori bennett
daughter

March 6, 2012

Sgt. Freeman,
On today, the 21st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Aiken County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. It sickens me that your murderer only served three years.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP

March 6, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 19th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 6, 2009

Sargeant Freeman I didn't know you, but I heard a great deal about you two years ago. You are now on my list of many, which I visit often. Rest In Peace and know you will never be forgotten. Continue to watch over all the Officers of the ACSO.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

November 5, 2008

Sgt. Freeman,
On today, the 18th anniversary of your murder, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Aiken County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. I can't understand how the person you were trying to arrest was not charged.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

March 6, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

March 5, 2008

My grandfather was the bravest and honorable man I have ever known I joined the Marine COrps to honor my country and county like he did I will always love and Cherish the time I had with him

PFC Villagran Matthew
Grandson-United States Marine

February 6, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 16, 2007

Sgt. Freeman, thank you for serving my county with dedication and bravery. Your sacrifice does not go without notice! Thank you again for your honorable service.

PSO CW Edwards
North Augusta Dept. of Public Safety (SC)

May 3, 2007

SERGEANT, AM HONORED TO COME ACROSS YOUR PAGE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS.

KIMBERLY KIDWELL
DAUGHTER OF FALLEN STANFORD KY OFFICER GARY KIDWELL

March 6, 2007

We recently lost one of our officers to a heart attack. He was off duty and only 34 yrs old. Many years have passed since your EOW but you are still remembered. Thank you for all you did to protect the citizens of Aiken County.

Melissa
Wife of a deputy

March 6, 2007

01-21-03 MAY GOD BLESS SGT.FREEMANS FAMILY. HE MAY BE GONE,BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN.SURELY,YOU DIED A HERO.REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.