Honoring Robin Morse: Celebrating a Life of Service and Dedication

With the passing of Robin Morse it is fitting to share this article about the parade celebrating him and his service back in June.

It’s often said when loved ones gather to remember someone who has passed, there’s a beginning date and an end date, but it’s the dash that truly matters. The dash represents the time spent on earth, how well you live out the years in between those two significant dates. Yet, the impact of that time is something most people never fully see while still living.

For Robin Morse, that’s not the case.

After battling pancreatic cancer for several years and experiencing a period of declining health, word reached those in his circle of first responders that there is nothing more doctors can do. In response, they took swift action to show their gratitude and respect now in a very personal and touching show of love and appreciation for the impact he has had in the community.

With less than 24 hours notice, on Sunday afternoon at 2:30, a parade was held for Robin Morse outside Prisma Laurens Hospital. Morse was brought outside in a hospital recliner to a front-row seat to his very own parade. It was a parade of thanks from first responders across Laurens County. Surrounded by family and members of his church, he watched as trucks and police vehicles drove under a flag hoisted high above by two ladder trucks, waving and sharing messages of gratitude. After the parade members of the first responder community gathered with Morse in the conference room of the Women’s Center at Prisma Laurens Hospital to share personal messages of gratitude.

Following the parade, Morris Madden and Don Evans, board members with the Laurens County Hall of Heroes showed Morse the Hall of Heroes plaque with his name on it. Morse, along with others, was inducted late last year into the Laurens County Hall of Heroes and First Responders.

Early in his career, while a young deputy with the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, Morse was shot in the abdomen, an injury that required several surgeries and months of rehabilitation. While this experience might change the career path for many, it was no deterrent for Morse. His resilience and dedication to his work exemplified his commitment to public service and the safety of his community.

Morse’s extensive 44-year career includes serving as a South Carolina Highway Patrolman, Laurens County sheriff’s deputy, Laurens City police chief, director of public safety in Clinton, and Laurens County deputy coroner. Even in his retirement he has continued to serve as a volunteer fireman with the Mountville Fire Department.

Eric Morse, his son, who works with Laurens City Fire and Mountville Volunteer Fire Department, shared, “My father has always been a pillar of strength and dedication in our community. His commitment to service is something I’ve strived to emulate in my own career. Seeing the first responder community come together to honor him is a testament to the profound impact he’s had on all of us.”

While we all hope we will be remembered for the good work we do while here on earth. Robin Morse can be sure of it. His legacy of service and dedication has left an indelible mark on Laurens County and its residents.

Thank you, Robin Morse for your unwavering service to the Laurens County Community.  Rest well and know you are loved by so many.