South Carolina to Induct Two Local Law Enforcement Leaders

The state's Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame will honor two Lowcountry leaders for their extensive service this Wednesday.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Law Enforcement

South Carolina to Induct Two Local Law Enforcement Leaders

Two distinguished Lowcountry law enforcement figures will join the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame during a ceremony scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. They are part of a group of thirteen honorees being recognized statewide for their professional integrity and achievement.

Why it matters

This induction recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a career-long commitment to public safety and service within the state's justice system. It highlights the lasting impact long-serving officers have on their communities and the institutions they lead.

Inductees must meet a threshold of at least 25 years of service to qualify for the Hall of Fame. Edsel Taylor served over 50 years with the Department of Corrections and 28 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, while Al Cannon held office for 32 years as sheriff.

The players

Edsel Taylor

He is a long-serving official who dedicated over 50 years to the South Carolina Department of Corrections and retired as a lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Army Reserve.

Al Cannon

He is a former North Charleston police chief who served for 32 years as the elected sheriff of Charleston County.

The details

The ceremony celebrates careers defined by decades of service, including Taylor's tenure as warden of MacDougall Correctional Institution and Cannon's three years as North Charleston police chief. Taylor also recently received the Order of the Palmetto in July 2026.

Al Cannon was first elected as Charleston County sheriff in 1988.
Edsel Taylor received the Order of the Palmetto in July 2026.
The induction ceremony takes place on Wednesday afternoon, October 28, 2026.

Legal Context

The Hall of Fame honors state-level service consistent with the criteria for the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor. This induction follows a long tradition of state-level recognition for professionals who shaped regional law enforcement standards.

Residents across the state can expect formal acknowledgment of the leadership history that has shaped their local justice institutions over the past several decades. The ceremony serves as a public recognition of the officials who have maintained long-term security in their respective jurisdictions.

The takeaway

This induction highlights the value of career-long public service within the South Carolina criminal justice system. It serves as a reminder of the significant influence that long-tenured officials have on the development of local law enforcement operations.