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Community Honors St. Stephen Police Officer Killed in Line of Duty

Pictured: Patrolman Joshua Lee Milligan with his wife and young daughter. (Via Town of St. Stephen)

ST. STEPHEN, S.C.–The Berkeley County community came together over the weekend to remember a St. Stephen police officer who made the ultimate sacrifice nearly 30 years ago.

On January 6, 1990, Patrolman Joshua L. Milligan with the St. Stephen Police Department lost his life in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call.

He was killed while attempting to arrest the suspect, according to reports.

After the suspect stabbed Milligan with a steak knife, he drove away in Milligan’s patrol car.

He was later arrested, however, in Andrews.

The suspect was ultimately found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed in a state mental institution.

Milligan was just 27-years-old when he lost his life, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.

Via Town of St. Stephen

Friends, family, community leaders and fellow law enforcement officers paused on Sunday to remember Milligan’s life during a dedication ceremony.

During the ceremony, a headstone was unveiled for Patrolman Milligan’s grave. It was provided by the St. Stephen Police Department.

The headstone was unveiled by Officer Milligan’s widow and daughter at the end of the dedication ceremony.

Via Town of St. Stephen

“We will never forget the sacrifice that was made by Patrolman Joshua L. Milligan,” read a social media post by the Town of St. Stephen. “We are forever thankful and grateful for Patrolman Joshua L. Milligan’s dedicated service. Patrolman Joshua L. Milligan, Sierra 4, End of Watch, January 6, 1990. Respect. Honor. Remember.”

Officer Milligan had been with the agency for 10 months.

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