S 1223

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
Bill 1223
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)
A senate RESOLUTION
TO HONOR AND REMEMBER THE SUPREME SACRIFICE MADE BY
OFFICER DON WILLIAM "DJ" KELLER OF THE GREENWOOD CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE
LINE OF DUTY AND TO EXPRESS TO HIS FAMILY THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND APPRECIATION
OF A GRATEFUL STATE FOR HIS LIFE, SACRIFICE, AND SERVICE.
Whereas, in all
generations, it behooves an ordered, peaceful society to demonstrate
appreciation to those men and women who make possible the safety and security
of its citizens. The people of the great State of South Carolina are singularly
blessed with police officers, military servicemen and women, firefighters,
rescue personnel, and Highway Patrol officers who serve selflessly, often
putting their lives in danger in the delivery of that service; and
Whereas, Officer Don
William "DJ" Keller of the Greenwood City Police Department stands high among
those men and women who have labored to ensure the safety and security of the
Palmetto State and who, therefore, retain a place of honor in the hearts of its
citizens; and
Whereas, on Monday, May
11, 2026, Officer Keller was killed while serving as a member of a team of
officers assigned to apprehend a vehicle allegedly involved in multiple recent
crimes and shootings in the area. His untimely death at age thirty-one in the
line of duty has left an indelible mark on the community he served unwaveringly
and on all who had the privilege of knowing him; and
Whereas, DJ's journey
was shaped by dedication and service from an early age. Having earned his
diploma from Ware Shoals High School, he furthered his commitment to law
enforcement by graduating from the South Carolina Police Academy in 2023. That
same year, he began his career with the Greenwood City Police Department, where
he quickly distinguished himself through his commitment and skill. In 2025, DJ
became a K9 officer, partnering with his loyal K9 companion, Vice, to form a
team that was both respected and admired within the department and community.
Moreover, he was a veteran of the United States Army, attaining the rank of E6
during his four years of active duty (2016-2020), and he remained an active
member of the South Carolina National Guard. His military and law enforcement
careers were a testament to his unwavering dedication to protecting and serving
his country and community; and
Whereas, outside of his
professional life, DJ was an avid outdoorsman who cherished time spent hunting,
fishing, and shooting, activities that brought him peace and joy. These
passions reflected his deep connection with nature and a quiet strength that defined
his character; and
Whereas, DJ leaves to
cherish his memory his devoted wife, Alison "Ali" Charles Keller; their beloved
daughter, Ella Bloom Keller; his parents, Don Anthron Keller and Jennifer
Burkett; seven siblings; his grandmother, June Smith; his parents-in-law, Chad and
Sandy Charles; his brothers-in-law, Garrett Charles and Kellar Charles; a host
of other relatives and friends; and DJ's faithful pup, Ammo; and
Whereas, the South
Carolina Senate counts it a great privilege to remember Officer DJ Keller, one
of the Palmetto State's finest, and the members with one voice offer their
grateful thanks to Almighty God for the service and ultimate sacrifice of this
valiant son of South Carolina. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the
South Carolina Senate, by this resolution,
honor and remember the supreme sacrifice made by Officer Don William "DJ"
Keller of the Greenwood City Police Department in the line of duty and express
to his family the deepest sympathy and appreciation of a grateful State for his
life, sacrifice, and service.
Be it further resolved
that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family.
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This web page was last updated on August 11, 2026 at 12:09 PM