Category: Tragedy Response

Donate to the Greenwood Police Officer Don “DJ” Keller Memorial Fund

Officer DJ Keller of the Greenwood Police Department was killed in the line of duty on May 11, 2026, during a police pursuit while protecting his community. He served as a police officer for three years after previously serving in the military for four years. He was dedicated to protecting others and proud to serve his community. He leaves behind his wife, Alison, and their 2-year-old daughter. His K9 partner, Vice, was in the vehicle during the incident and was not injured.

This fundraiser was created to support Alison and their daughter as they face the difficult days ahead. Donations will help provide financial support for immediate expenses and future needs during this heartbreaking time. Thank you for supporting the Keller family and honoring Officer Keller’s service, sacrifice, and memory.

Serve & Connect is proud to partner with the SC Police Chiefs Association, South Carolina Troopers Association, South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association, SC Sheriffs’ Association, SC Fraternal Order of Police and Greenwood Police Department to raise funds for Officer Keller’s family and recovery.

If you would like to help, donations can be made through: https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/serve-and-connect/officer-don-keller

100% of funds raised will go directly to his Officer Keller’s wife, Alison, and their daughter.

Click here to read more about our tragedy response program: https://serveandconnect.org/tragedy-response-program/

Donate to the Deputy Alex Albrecht Recovery Fund

An Anderson County Sheriff’s deputy is continuing his road to recovery after being shot in the line of duty along I-85 on Monday, April 20th. Deputy Alex Albrecht was injured during a routine traffic stop, leaving him with serious injuries and several surgeries.

Thanks to the swift actions of fellow deputies and first responders, his life was saved. Now he faces ongoing treatment, rehabilitation and time away from work to heal.

This fundraiser has been created to support Deputy Alex Albrecht and his family during this challenging time. Contributions will help ease the financial burden of expenses and provide stability as he focuses on recovery. 

“I believe that the good Lord was with him and it’s nothing short of a miracle that he survived,” Sheriff Chad McBride said. “We are so grateful and blessed that he is able to come home.”

Deputy Albrecht has been with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office since 2023 and has a wife and three children.

Serve & Connect is proud to partner with the SC Police Chiefs Association, South Carolina Troopers Association, South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association, SC Sheriffs’ Association, SC Fraternal Order of Police and Anderson County Sheriff’s Office to raise funds for Deputy Albrecht’s family and recovery. 

If you would like to help, donations can be made through https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/serve-and-connect/k9-officer

100% of funds raised will go directly to his family. 

Click here to read more about our tragedy response program: https://serveandconnect.org/tragedy-response-program/

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Trooper First Class Dennis D. Ricks, who died Wednesday night, nearly four days after being struck by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop in Orangeburg County. TFC Ricks had served with the South Carolina Highway Patrol since January 2023 and was assigned to Troop 7, Post B, which covers Calhoun and Orangeburg Counties.

“Trooper First Class Ricks has a passion for serving his community well every single day. Alongside his wife and family, his brothers and sisters in uniform are praying hard for his recovery,” said SCHP Colonel Christopher Williamson.

His wife Jade shares, “He is truly the love of my life. Dennis is my safe place, my strength. He is the kindest, sweetest and most gentle soul. To say he is a phenomenal man and husband is quite an understatement. Please pray for Dennis.”

This fundraiser is coordinated by Serve & Connect, a South Carolina-based nonprofit focused on fostering positive change through sustainable police and community partnerships. Serve & Connect was founded in memory of Officer Greg Alia with the Forest Acres Police Department who was shot and killed in the line of duty on September 30, 2015. 

This fundraiser is coordinated in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the South Carolina Troopers Association, South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association, the South Carolina Police Chiefs Association, the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, and the South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police. 

100% of the funds raised will be donated directly to the family of TFC Ricks.

Donate to support his memorial today.