In Memory of Lieutenant Maybelle W. Hendricks

South Carolina Loses Veteran Officer to COVID19

On Monday, August 17, 2020, South Carolina lost a veteran officer to COVID19. Lieutenant Maybelle W. Hendricks, age 70, passed away due to complications arising from coronavirus. It is presumed that she came into contact with the virus during her duties as a police officer.

Lt. Hendricks served her community as a police officer for more than 39 years. She made the achievement possible in South Carolina for many young girls who dreamed of growing up and working in law enforcement. Lt. Hendricks was the first female African American officer hired by the Summerville Police Department in 1981. Over her time in law enforcement, she also worked for the Charleston Police Department, Dorchester Police Department, Colleton County Sheriff’s Office, and the St. George Police Department. Her last position was with the Ridgeville Police Department.
On Friday, August 21, 2020, the town of Ridgeville held a special parade to honor her life, service, and memory. The community loved and respected Hendricks, and her caring for everyone she met made her excellent in dealing with people. She touched the lives of everyone she met or helped throughout her career. The community wanted to pull together and share a moment to honor her uniquely.

Ridgeville Police Department

Lieutenant Maybelle W. Hendricks served the final years of her career with the Ridgeville Police Department. Located in the county of Dorchester, South Carolina, Ridgeville is a small country town. Her loss significantly impacts the small department in which all the employees were close-knit like family. Ridgeville’s community has a population of approximately 1630 residents who all cared deeply for Hendricks, who had a mother-like personality and made a difference in all of their lives. The department relies on help from other local agencies and has a total of four sworn officers.

Large Family Left to Mourn Loss

Many families worldwide have been left grieving the loss of loved ones due to the worldwide pandemic. Lt. Hendricks had a large family who will learn to go on without her leadership. Lieutenant Maybelle W. Hendricks is survived by her three children, seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and six siblings. The community has rallied together to honor Lt. Hendricks’ service and support the family in their time of grief.

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) posted their condolences on its social media pages. “Our thoughts go out to the family, friends, & colleagues of Lieutenant Maybelle W. Hendricks, Ridgeville Police Department, South Carolina.”

Young hero Zechariah Cartledge, age 12, who has started his foundation, Running 4 Heroes, created an impressive honorary run to raise funds for the Hendricks family. The young man runs a mile while carrying the blue-line flag and accepts donations using the money and flags as gifts to help fallen officers’ families. He ran a mile for Lt. Hendricks and is a hero in his own right.

Ridgeville Police Chief Quintion Joyner posted the sad news of the department’s loss on his Twitter page. “I come to you at this hour with a saddened heart to say that on this date at approximately 0600 hours, I lost a friend/sister/Mother and co-worker. Lt. Maybelle Hendricks, go and receive your just rewards for the job you did on this Earth. This is probably the hardest and most deep felt post I have ever posted. Hendricks, you will be missed not only by your family but also by the countless friends. Hendricks, you were a Trailblazer and broke down many barriers. To the Family and Friend, let us continue to pray with and for each other, for no one knows the day or the hour. I Love you all, and God Bless.”