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Edgefield County Remembers Ada Duncan: Beloved Dispatcher and Lifeline to the Community for Nearly 25 Years

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EDGEFIELD COUNTY, SC — With profound sadness and heavy hearts, the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office and the greater community mourn the tragic and untimely passing of Ada Duncan, a beloved and dedicated dispatcher whose voice was a lifeline for countless individuals over nearly 25 years of committed service.

Ada Duncan was more than just a dispatcher. She was a cornerstone of the Edgefield County emergency response system—a calm, reassuring presence on the other end of the line when it mattered most. Through storms, emergencies, and long nights, she answered the call—literally and figuratively—for the citizens she served and the deputies she supported. Her professionalism, compassion, and steadfast dedication made her not only an invaluable member of the sheriff’s office, but also a treasured friend and confidante to many.

For nearly a quarter of a century, Ada served with quiet dignity and an unshakable sense of duty. Her extensive knowledge, quick thinking, and empathetic communication style made her a mentor to new dispatchers and a trusted voice in times of crisis. Whether coordinating critical response efforts or offering comforting words to someone in distress, Ada’s voice brought clarity, courage, and calm to chaos.

Edgefield County Sheriff Jody Rowland expressed deep sorrow at the loss, stating:
“Ada wasn’t just a dispatcher; she was family. She dedicated her life to serving this community with grace, integrity, and an unmatched level of commitment. Her absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her legacy will forever echo in the halls of this department and in the hearts of those she helped.”

Colleagues describe her as selfless, kind-hearted, and unfailingly dependable. She approached her work with humility and a servant’s heart, always placing the needs of others before her own. Many recall the warmth of her smile, her gentle encouragement, and her unwavering support during the most challenging shifts.

Beyond her professional contributions, Ada was a devoted family member and friend, known for her deep faith, generosity, and strength of character. She had a gift for making those around her feel valued and safe, both on and off the radio. Her compassion extended far beyond the dispatch center walls—touching lives throughout the entire Edgefield County community.

As the community comes together to honor and remember Ada Duncan, we celebrate not just the dispatcher she was, but the incredible woman she will always be. Her impact cannot be measured by years alone, but by the lives she helped save, the comfort she provided, and the respect she earned from all who knew her.

The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office will hold a memorial in her honor, and plans are underway to commemorate her legacy with a lasting tribute at the communications center where she served so faithfully. In this time of great loss, we extend our deepest condolences to Ada’s family, friends, and colleagues. May her memory be a guiding light for all who continue the vital work of public safety.

Rest in peace, Ada Duncan. Your voice may be silent, but your legacy speaks volumes.

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LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA — Double Fatal Shooting at Super 1 Foods Sparks Ongoing Investigation LAFAYETTE, LA (June 18, 2025) — A regular weekday morning at the Super 1 Foods grocery store in Lafayette turned into a scene of chaos and horror as a shocking act of gun violence erupted, leaving two individuals dead and a community shaken to its core. The incident occurred at the Super 1 Foods located at 215 Willow Street, just a few miles north of downtown Lafayette, and has since drawn intense public attention and a swift law enforcement response. According to the Lafayette Police Department (LPD), officers were dispatched to the supermarket shortly after 11:30 a.m. following multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired inside or near the entrance of the store. Upon arrival, officers discovered two adult victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel were immediately summoned to the scene and worked to stabilize the victims before transporting them to a nearby hospital. Tragically, both victims succumbed to their injuries shortly after arrival at the medical facility. Their identities have not yet been publicly released pending notification of next of kin. However, law enforcement officials have confirmed that the victims appear to have known one another, and initial information suggests that the shooting may not have been a random act. The area surrounding the store was quickly cordoned off, and the business was evacuated as officers secured the scene. Shoppers and employees were visibly shaken, with many describing a terrifying scene of panic and confusion as gunfire rang out. “I heard what sounded like popping noises — maybe three or four shots — and then people started yelling and running,” said one witness, a shopper who had just arrived in the parking lot. “It was chaos. I saw someone lying on the ground and store employees rushing to help.” The Lafayette Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, along with Crime Scene Investigators (CSI), has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Investigators were seen collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing surveillance footage from both inside and outside the store. While no official suspect description has been released, LPD confirmed that they are actively pursuing leads and following up on witness statements. As of now, no arrests have been announced, and it remains unclear whether the shooter is among the deceased or remains at large. LPD Public Information Officer Sgt. Robin Green spoke at a brief press conference held at the scene: “This is a tragic and deeply disturbing incident, and our detectives are working tirelessly to determine exactly what led to this senseless act of violence. We ask for the community’s patience and cooperation as we process a large and very active crime scene.” Authorities are urging anyone who may have been in or around the store at the time of the shooting to contact the Lafayette Police Department at (337) 291-8600 or to submit information anonymously through Lafayette Crime Stoppers at (337) 232-TIPS (8477). The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and police have not confirmed whether the victims were specifically targeted or if others may have been in danger during the incident. Surveillance footage is expected to play a critical role in piecing together a timeline and identifying any suspects or persons of interest. In the wake of the tragedy, the Super 1 Foods store has been closed for the remainder of the day, with company representatives offering condolences to the families of the victims and expressing support for employees affected by the traumatic event. Counseling services are reportedly being arranged for staff members who were present at the time of the shooting. The Lafayette community, already grappling with rising concerns over public safety and gun violence, has responded with an outpouring of shock and grief. Civic leaders, including Mayor-President Josh Guillory, have issued statements calling for unity and a renewed focus on community-based violence prevention. “Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of two lives taken far too soon,” Guillory stated. “We will not allow violence to define who we are. We must come together — as neighbors, as families, as a city — and support one another during this time.” A candlelight vigil is being planned by local community groups for later this week, with more details expected to be announced as the victims’ families finalize arrangements. As police continue to investigate this devastating act, the residents of Lafayette are left grappling with the question that too often follows such events: Why? And perhaps more importantly: What can be done to ensure it doesn’t happen again? This story is developing, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.