Support Lt. Stewart's Family

On Friday September 17, 2021, Lt. John Stewart was killed during a car chase. Serve & Connect, a nonprofit focused on fostering positive change through sustainable police and community partnerships, has established this fundraiser in partnership with Lake City Police Department to support Lt. Stewart's family in the wake of this tragic loss.

“In the performance of his duties, he made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Lake City Police Chief Jody Cooper. “This is a sad day for Lake City.”

Cooper said Stewart was someone known in the community for years, and that Stewart had a career in law enforcement spanning more than two decades.

“We’re going to make sure that we stay in a manner that is befitting of him being professional and respected,” Cooper said. “In a manner in which he performed his duties every day.”

“I can tell you from a work standpoint he was always eager to do his job. He wasn’t the type to disappear for a while and then show back up,” said Lake City Mayor Lovith Anderson. “This was a gentleman who showed up ready to work.”

Lt. Stewart, who served in the Marines prior to working in law enforcement, leaves behind two sons.

ABOUT THIS FUNDRAISER

The fundraiser is facilitated by Serve & Connect, a nonprofit (501c3) organization focused on igniting positive change through police-community partnerships. Since 2015, Serve & Connect has raised more than $730,000 for families of fallen officers in South Carolina. Serve & Connect was founded by Kassy Alia Ray in memory of her late husband, Officer Gregory Alia, who was killed in the line of duty on September 30, 2015. This fundraiser is endorsed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association, the South Carolina Sheriff's Association, South Carolina Police Chiefs Association, South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police, and the Lake City Police Department. 100% of funds raised will be provided directly to Lt. Stewart's family. All donations are tax-deductible.