Prev
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
neuraspine_01krbxtqepars6bcd2x93zb5yx- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Richland County Sheriff's Department has lost 7 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 272 officers killed feloniously in SC, 61.5% of the 442 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1992, 5 officers in SC were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 119 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 7.
In 1992, 93 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 59th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1992, 97 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 25. Of the 243 killed feloniously in SC whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 5.3 years.
John was 25. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 25. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 8.5% of these deaths in SC; July holds the most, 10.7%. Fridays: 15.4%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 28.6% of all 7 deaths at Richland County Sheriff's Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.5% of all 442 deaths in SC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Richland County Sheriff's Department has 7 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 50-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Richland County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
