Aiken Opens Tribute Parkway Honoring Public Safety Officers

Aiken held a ceremony on Sept. 28 for Phase I of Tribute Parkway. This 2.35-mile stretch honors officers who serve the community. The project cost $14.97 million and runs along Whiskey Road between East Gate Drive and Corporate Parkway.

Aiken City Council picked the name to recognize officers. Phase I marks the dedication of the Master Corporal Sandra "Sandy" Rogers Memorial Roundabout, according to the city.

Master Corporal Rogers worked for the Department of Aiken Public Safety for 27 years. She became the first female officer in South Carolina to die in the line of duty on Jan. 28, 2012. She was 48 years old.

"When an officer gives their life in the line of duty, we often say that they will never be forgotten. But remembrance is more than saying their name once a year," said Chief Charles Barranco of the Aiken Department of Public Safety. "Every time somebody comes through or travels through this roundabout, Sandy Rogers' name will be there."

Phase II will wrap up in about 18 months. Workers will build a second roundabout for Master Public Safety Officer Scotty Richardson, who was killed in the line of duty on Dec. 21, 2011. Richardson died during a traffic stop at age 33, leaving behind three sons.

"This is a small token of our appreciation for the dedication of these men and women who wear an Aiken Department of Public Safety badge every day. We are so grateful for your service," said Mayor Teddy Milner.

Money for the work came from Capital Projects Sales Tax IV revenue and the South Carolina State Transportation Infrastructure Bank. Alfred Benesch and Company designed it. Satterfield Construction Company built it.