Lancaster County, SC (WLTX) — The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of a deputy following an apparent medical event during training.
Deputy James Kirk Jr., 57, of Lancaster passed away at Springs Memorial Hospital Tuesday night, according to the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office.
Officials say the retired police officer and veteran deputy collapsed following a training event at the Sheriff’s Office firing range and was rushed to the hospital, where he later passed away from what appears to be a medical condition.
Kirk had served the Lancaster community for the last 28 years, according to the Sheriff's Office. He began his career at the City of Lancaster Police Department, retiring from that agency after 25 years of service. In 2015, Kirk joined the Sheriff’s Office, where he continued his service tpo the community.
“Deputy Kirk was a true public servant who dedicated his life to the service of others and this community," says Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile. "Our hearts are heavy as we mourn his loss. During this difficult time we ask that you keep Deputy Kirk’s family, his friends, and his co-workers in your thoughts and prayers.”