Peninger’s Sacrifice Honored in the SC Law Enforcement Hall of Fame
COLUMBIA, SC – It’s been a long time coming, but after 105 years, T.R. Peninger’s sacrifice is honored for generations to come. On May 3, 2023, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame formally inducted five law enforcement officers, including Sharon Town Marshal Tobias Rudolph Peninger.
“This ceremony marks a time when we can come together with the families and departments of our fallen officers and remember them for the heroes they are,” said SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods IV.
T.R. Peninger was the town blacksmith in Sharon, SC and served as the Sharon Town Marshall to serve warrants and perform other law enforcement matters. On September 30, 1918, Peninger served a disorderly conduct warrant on Frank and Mills Moore. Then Frank Moore struck Peninger over the head with a pistol. As Peninger tried to crawl away to safety, Mills Moore shot Peninger in the back twice. The Moore brothers ran away and on the same day Sheriff Fred E. Quinn led a manhunt with more than 100-people to search for the killers. In December 1918, Frank Moore was finally caught in Raleigh, NC, and brought back to York County by Sheriff Quinn. Mills Moore remained on the run until 1923 when he was arrested in Mississippi.
“It doesn’t matter the time the sacrifice was made, what matters is the sacrifice is honored,” said Sheriff Kevin Tolson, during remarks at the induction ceremony.
Penninger’s Grandsons and Great-Granddaughter were present at the ceremony.
“As we formally induct each of these officers into the SC Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame, we are reminded of their selfless dedication and courage in the face of danger. I am humbled by their honor and sacrifice," said Director Woods.
The ceremony brings the total number of South Carolina officers honored in the Hall of Fame Memorial Room to 423.
Honorees are:
Town Marshal Tobias R. Penninger -- Sharon Police Department (York County) End of Watch: Sept. 30, 1918 (Shooting death)
Deputy First Class John W. Berry III -- Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. End of Watch: Sept. 19, 2021 (COVID-19)
Corporal Roy A. “Drew” Barr Jr. -- Cayce Police Department. End of Watch: April 24, 2022 (Shooting death)
Deputy First Class Austin D. Aldridge -- Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. End of Watch: June 21, 2022 (Shooting death)
Master Police Officer Tyrell A. Owens-Riley -- Columbia Police Department. End of Watch: Sept. 24, 2022 (Medical emergency during training)
