Laurens County Hall of Heroes Hosts First Joint Induction for Veterans and First Responders

On Sunday, September 21, 2025, the Laurens County Hall of Heroes hosted a historic milestone with its first-ever joint induction ceremony honoring both Veterans and First Responders. Twelve outstanding individuals—six Veterans and six First Responders—were formally inducted before a large audience of family, friends, and community leaders gathered at the Laurens County Courthouse.

The event carried the theme “Both,” reflecting the shared sacrifices and service of American Veterans and First Responders. Chairman of the Hall of Heroes, Morris Madden, explained, “Without the American Veteran you would not have or need the American First Responder and without the American First Responder you would not have or need the American Veteran. BOTH are vital for fighting, protecting, and preserving the American way of life. BOTH should be honored, respected, and acknowledged as our true American heroes.”

Madden further noted that five of this year’s inductees held the distinction of serving in both roles—a testament to the continued call to serve that many Veterans carry into civilian life.

Class of 2025 Inductees

Veterans

• Master Sgt. William Bailey – U.S. Army, Operation Enduring Freedom

• Cpl. Otis Cook – U.S. Army, Korean War

• Sgt. Andrew Grazioso – U.S. Army, Operation Enduring Freedom

• T/4 Joe Koon Sr. – U.S. Army, World War II

• Sgt. Chris Simpson – U.S. Army, Operation Enduring Freedom

• TSgt. Clarence Gibbs – U.S. Army, World War II

First Responders

• Capt. Troy Aldridge – Laurens Co. EMS / Hickory Tavern Fire Dept. (1991–present)

• Fire Marshal Rodney Crenshaw – Fountain Inn Fire Dept. (1998–present)

• Coroner F.G. “Nick” Nichols – Laurens Co. Coroner / Clinton City Fire Dept. (1990–2019)

• Lt. John Rumfelt – Fountain Inn Police Dept. (1968–2006)

• Kris Smith – Laurens Co. Dispatch (1992–2012)

• Randy Stevens – 55/56 Rescue Squad (Late 1970s–early 1980s)

Ceremony Highlights

The induction was held in two phases: first honoring the six Veterans, followed by recognition of the six First Responders. Each inductee’s name will now be permanently inscribed inside the Laurens County Courthouse.

The ceremony featured a keynote address by Socrates B. “Sonny” Ledda, Laurens County Director of Emergency Management, who brought a unique perspective as both a Veteran and retired First Responder. Ledda expressed gratitude as the central theme of his remarks, sharing, “I am grateful to this country for the chance to give back through military service, grateful to my community for supporting me through 24 and a half years in law enforcement, and grateful for the men and women I have served alongside. Now, in my new role with Laurens County Emergency Management, I remain thankful for the opportunity to continue serving.”

This year’s ceremony not only celebrated local heroes but also set the tone for future joint events. “This year’s class holds the distinction of being the first Laurens County Hall of Heroes joint or double ceremony,” Madden said. “We plan to continue this in the future. We already have potential sponsors stepping forward and others asking how they might be nominated for induction.”

Get Involved

For more information on the Laurens County Hall of Heroes or to apply for induction, email [email protected] or visit www.lchoh.org or the Hall of Heroes Facebook page.