State troopers, families, friends and coworkers of the 50 soldiers killed in the line of duty since the inception of the South Carolina State Patrol gathered to honor their lives and remember their sacrifice with a memorial on Friday.

Leroy Smith, director of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, noted that the families provided the support these troopers needed during their service.

"To the families, when you are strong for them, they are strong for the ones they protect and serve," Smith said.

Five police dogs have also been named in honor of fallen troopers.