North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
By RUBEN LOWMAN
Friends and family gathered on Sunday evening, Jan. 1, 2023, for a special memorial honoring the life and service of Sgt. Gordon Best. The North Myrtle Beach community, which Best was firmly part of for all his life, came together to honor and remember his life and his service and dedication to the city.
Best died in the line of duty on Jan. 1, 2021, while responding to an early morning call in Barefoot Resort. The roads were very wet due to an earlier downpour and, while headed southbound on Highway 17, he lost control of his police vehicle. The vehicle then veered into a northbound lane and collided with a utility pole.
He was the first police officer to die in the line of duty in the history of North Myrtle Beach.
Seargeant Best’s family, friends and fellow first responders were all in attendance alongside NMB city leaders to remember and recognize the fallen officer in an intimate and touching ceremony held at the city’s public safety complex last Sunday on the second anniversary of his untimely death.
NMB Police Chief, Tommy Dennis, welcomed everyone to the ceremony with officer Will McLeod giving the invocation. Officer Tyler Gill then talked about how much he learned working closely with Sergeant Best, describing Best as a kind and honorable officer who always looked after the officers under his command.
Officer Wes Foushee then lit the memorial candle, and Captain Dana Crowell closed the ceremony.
Sergeant Best will always be remembered in North Myrtle Beach for his commitment to service, his unflinching desire to help his community and for his love and affection for his family.
He will always be remembered for his dedication to his wonderful family. He will be remembered for his life and his sacrifice in the line of duty. He will be remembered for protecting the public as an honored member of the North Myrtle Beach Police Department.
NMB Police Sergeant Gordon William Best was born on Nov. 12, 1990, joining the city’s public safety department on Oct. 21, 2013, before being promoted to the rank of sergeant on Feb. 17, 2019.
