Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff McCants,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 25, 2022

Thinking about Brent today. I remember racing to get to him from about 20 miles away when the call went out over the radio. He was already gone by then but he soon had brothers and sisters from many agencies searching for the animals that murdered him. They totally ambushed Brent but cowered in submissive fear when they were found. I wish they could have received the swift judgement they deserved that night. Rest in peace my brother.

Trooper GD Vickery
SCHP

June 6, 2021

Brent and I served in US Army Basic Training together at Fort Jackson, SC. He was a good man and I am proud to call him brother.

Jack Bailey
US Army

July 25, 2020

God speed brother! Prayers to your department and family.

Judge /retired SC Trooper Danny Lynn
Aiken County, SC

September 25, 2017

Brent and I went to Army basic training together in 1986 at Fort Jackson, SC. He was always a motivator in our platoon and helped keep moral high, which said a lot considering we were there in June, July, and August during one of the hottest summers I remember. He was definitely one of the reasons I kept motivated then. I went on to become a paratrooper, serve in Desert Storm, and spend time in 3d Special Forces Group. I can truly say that remembering Brent's motivational talks helped me with the rest of my career. I will continue to miss you, brother. Echo Eagles!

Jack Bailey
E Co., 4th Battalion, 1st Basic Training Brigade, Fort Jackson, SC

November 6, 2016

My time spent with Brent was short, however the impression he left on me and my classmates were undeniable. I was in Class 231 with him at the SC Criminal Justice Academy. Brent or "Meathead" as he was affectionately referred to was my suite-mate and we ate lunch together almost every day. He was gentle as a lamb, but tough as nails when he needed to be. Seems like yesterday. RIP brother, you are still very missed!

Edward Hartley, Cpl
Greenwood County Sheriff's Dept.

May 10, 2016

Myra and Billy Dale,

It was an honor to have served side by side with Brent at the Sheriff's Office. We were hired together and I have our photograph of being sworn in together on my desk as a constant reminder of the Sacrifice he made. He was a "mess" and always having fun. God bless and keep you all as this 20th anniversary of his death approaches.

Master Deputy II Kelly Carroll Lovelace
York County Sheriff's Office

September 21, 2012

Brent, Sometimes a few days go by and then, I remember you again. I do not think you will ever be forgotten as you were just a special young man. You just can't understand why at your young age you had to leave us all. The last time I saw you, you were being so funny. I think I told you you could be a commedian? You were everyone's son. My son was also a policeman then and you would call us in Maryland and ask about Michael when he got hurt. People need to realize how dangerous a job this is and know that you did this because of my dad, your grandfather, the same reason my son also was a policeman. Brent, I hope you know how much we care and always will. Goodnight!!! Aunt Marian

Marian Starnes
Aunt

October 18, 2011

I had not realized how much time had passed... I remember growing up with Brent and Billy. We used to play with our hot-wheel cars in the front drive as kids and later, in high school, Brent helped talk me into going into the DEP program for the USAF.

He was always a great guy to be around; full of energy. I remember he talked me into repelling off a train trestle somewhere near Rock Hill once... and only once. I was so scared I nearly wet myself and Brent thought it was hilarious.

You live on in the memories of those you touched; rest in peace, brother.

Robert "Dan" Ray
Childhood Friend

October 12, 2011

I was thinking of Brent tonight and remembered it had been 19 years this past September since we lost Brent. Brent always seemed to respect the law since his Grandfather, Doc Estridge, was a policeman in Lancaster, S.C. while Brent was growing up. Brent stayed with me for awhile here in Rock Hill when he finished High School and made up a couple of courses he needed before going into the Airforce. I found out then that Brent was a great kid, had good friends and was very resectful to his elders. What a sense of humor this kid had, if you knew him then you know how good his Elvis impressions were and also of one of his suprerior officers. Brent was spending more time with his brother, Billy Dale, who had wrecked and had a head injury, Billy thought the world of Brent and to this day still remembers him. His mother grieves daily for him and never lets us all forget Brent's anniversary. At the time of Brent's death, he lived a couple of miles from me, I was on the couch watching the news one night and all of a sudden I heard sirens and saw blinking lights through my window. I ran out the door and there was Brent, grinning from ear to ear and hollered, I got you uncle Billy.
Brent's sacrifice will never be forgotten by his friends, peers and family. We love you Brent. sPECIAL THANKS FOR THIS MEMORIAL AND TO MR. BERRY FOR THE MEMORAIL HE BUILT NEAR WHERE BRENT WAS SHOT HERE IN ROCK HILL.

William (Bill) Estridge
uncle

October 3, 2011

What a special friend you were to all your team mates during teen missions. It was so long ago, but I always tell the story of when you asked for a "pen" and I thought you were saying "pan". =) You always had a kind heart and it didn't surprise me that you chose to serve in this way. Even after all this time you won't be forgotten.

Jennifer Re Drouin
old friend

January 29, 2009

To Deputy James Brent McCants and his loved ones:

On this the sixteenth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Deputy McCants. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Deputy McCants gave to his community and the citizens of South Carolina, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 25, 1992.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

September 25, 2008

Rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

January 27, 2008

Deputy McCants:

Thank You for having served the people of York County.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

September 25, 2007

"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.

July 11, 2007

Deputy McCants you are a hero. Thank you for your service to the citizens of York County. Rest in peace my brother. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

June 6, 2006

I am a Correctional Officer with the South Carolina Department of Corrections. I have been working the Gilliam Psychiatric Hospital for the past several months @ Kirkland, where Mar-reece Hughes is incarcerated. I have yet to see him even move from his bed, he is constantly sleeping and very rarely speaks. I hope that Deputy McCants death haunts his mind forever! God bless the McCants family.

Correctional Officer
South Carolina Department of Corrections

March 22, 2006

The coward who killed this deputy and was sentenced to death has asked that his appeals be dropped and his execution carried out. This is one time I hope the courts expeditiously grant a prisoners request! Justice will be served when this killer receives his lethal injection!

Gone but not forgotten...

Police Sergeant

October 20, 2005

May you rest in peace Deputy McCants. Your work on Earth is over and you are in Gods care now.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

October 17, 2005

Growing up together, Brent you were a friend to me and Im sorry I didn't get to say goodbye, but I know I will see you again someday brother !

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:9

Officer James Chamberlain
Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office

August 21, 2005

To the family of Brent, Take comfort in knowing what kind of young man Brent was. He is still in our hearts and we feel his presence every day. God bless

Lt. Jeff Hilton
Lancaster Co. Sheriff's Office

May 16, 2004

09-25-03, ANYONE WHO HAS MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE SHOULD NOT BE WITHOUT A REFLECTION. MY BROTHER, SOMEONE WILL ALWAYS KNOW THAT YOU ARE A HERO. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

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

September 25, 2003