Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff John Dial was killed when his patrol car was struck by a pickup truck being driven by a drunk driver. The collision occurred at the intersection of U.S. 321 and Crane Church Road. The 50-year-old driver was convicted of felony driving under the influence and sentenced to 18 years in prison. Deputy Dial had served with the Richland County Sheriff's Department for almost three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-SC-8B691960- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Dial gave the Richland County Sheriff's Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Columbia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Dial.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff John Mark Dial is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In SC, 271 of 438 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.9% of this state's fallen. That is 7.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Richland County Sheriff's Dept., 2 of 7 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 28.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Mark Dial's cause is highlighted.
How John Mark Dial Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 18 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Mark Dial is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Mark Dial was killed by automobile; alcohol involved.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Richland County Sheriff's Dept. are honored on badge.nw.
