PROSPERITY — If you are traveling through Prosperity and happen to see a new police officer around town, take a second to welcome Marcus Fryer, the Prosperity Police Department’s newest officer.

A graduate of Spring Valley High School, Fryer has been living in South Carolina since 1986. He lives in Columbia.

After stepping away from technical college, Fryer joined the military and is still active today. Fryer is also working on a community college degree through the Air Force and is looking to graduate from that program in December. He will begin attending The Citadel in January.

Fryer wanted to become involved in law enforcement because he wanted to serve and make a difference in the community.

“In law enforcement, you do make a difference in people’s lives so that was what they say in law enforcement terms is a ‘calling.’ I heard that calling so I wanted to get out and just be part of the community, assist and help people, but also enforce the laws that goes along with helping and assisting people,” Fryer said.

Prior to getting his foot in the door with law enforcement, Fryer briefly worked in the IT field. Feeling as if he was constantly working behind a desk, Fryer talked with a friend who is an investigator with Richland County about law enforcement and left his career in IT and began his law enforcement career.

Fryer’s first official day was Aug. 29. Since joining the Prosperity Police Department, Fryer has been riding along with other Prosperity officers getting to know the Prosperity area and its people.

“That’s my main goal right now, to get to know the people so they can learn more about me and I can learn more about them. Also, I can get an idea of what they expect out of law enforcement in this area and what they expect out of me,” Fryer said. “I want to listen to the concerns that they have and try to address and resolve their concerns the best way possible.”

In his free time, Fryer enjoys relaxing and spending time with family and friends, because as he said, his schedule stays busy.

He added that since arriving in Prosperity he has been welcomed with open arms by Police Chief David Beddingfield and other Prosperity police officers.

“The officers here have been great. Chief Beddingfield has been wonderful. They have welcomed me in, supported and helped me and they have gotten me out meeting the townspeople and local businesses, very helpful. If there’s anything I may ask or any questions they are always there for me, so I’m very thankful to be here with them,” Fryer said.

Beddingfield had nothing but good things to say about Fryer.

“The Prosperity Police Department is excited to have Officer Fryer. We strive to hire top quality officers. This allows us to give the citizens the best quality police services available. The officers of the Prosperity Police Department work diligently for the betterment of the community. They do not do this for praise or social media recognition, but instead they do it because they care about the people,” Beddingfield said. “As the Prosperity Police Chief, I am extremely selective when hiring a new officer. I am very proud to have Officer Fryer as a part-time member and I am certain that he will offer a great service to the community.”

Marcus Fryer is the newest officer to join the Prosperity Police Department.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_Fryer.jpgMarcus Fryer is the newest officer to join the Prosperity Police Department. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

By Kelly Duncan

kduncan@newberryobserver.com

Reach Kelly Duncan at 803-768-3123 ext. 1868 or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.