ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — The Orangeburg community gathered Monday night to show support for South Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper Dennis Ricks, who was critically injured during a traffic stop over the weekend.

Trooper Ricks was struck by a truck on I-26, leaving him with bleeding and swelling in his brain, bleeding in one of his kidneys, and multiple broken bones in his lower back.

The prayer vigil took place outside the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office.

Dozens of people attended, including law enforcement officers, community leaders, and local residents.

David Pendarvis, an Orangeburg County EMS worker who organized the event, said it was important to be there for Ricks’ family.

“Anytime the first responders [are] involved in an incident event like this, it’s important to show th

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