South Carolina H 5614: SCSA 2025 Medal of Valor recipient Elijah Pierce

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 5614 Text of Previous Version (Apr. 29, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 5614

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DEPUTY ELIJAH PIERCE OF THE 
ANDERSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE FOR HIS EXTRAORDINARY COURAGE, SELFLESSNESS, 
AND DECISIVE ACTIONS DURING THE LIFE-THREATENING RESCUE OF THREE-YEAR-OLD 
BENNETT DORNELLAS ON MAY 8, 2024, AND TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS HEROIC ACTIONS IN 
THE LINE OF DUTY AS DESERVING OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION MEDAL 
OF VALOR.

Whereas, the members of 
the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to recognize 
individuals whose bravery and dedication to duty exemplify the highest 
standards of public service and law enforcement; and

Whereas, on May 8, 
2024, Deputy Elijah Pierce of the Anderson County Sheriff's Office responded to 
a critical and dangerous incident involving the violent kidnapping of a three-year-old 
child, Bennett Dornellas, by his father, Joshua Dornellas, from the child's 
home in Belton, South Carolina; and

Whereas, Deputy Pierce 
played a vital role in the coordinated search efforts that led law enforcement 
officers to locate the suspect's vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed 
along Interstate 85. The deputy's vigilance and communication were instrumental 
in helping deputies close in on the fleeing suspect; and

Whereas, as the pursuit 
continued into the State of Georgia, the suspect intentionally set the truck on 
fire and jumped from the moving vehicle, leaving young Bennett trapped inside 
as the burning truck veered off the roadway, traveled up an embankment, and 
came to rest in a wooded area while rapidly becoming engulfed in flames; and

Whereas, without 
hesitation and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Deputy 
Pierce ran toward the burning vehicle alongside fellow deputies to attempt a 
rescue under rapidly deteriorating and life-threatening conditions; and

Whereas, during the 
rescue effort, Sergeant Hunter Ruff entered the burning truck headfirst through 
the driver's side window and located Bennett trapped on the driver's 
floorboard, and Deputy Pierce immediately acted to assist, pulling Sergeant 
Ruff from the burning vehicle while Sergeant Ruff held the child in his arms; 
and

Whereas, Deputy 
Pierce's courage, situational awareness, and swift actions ensured the safe 
extraction of both Sergeant Ruff and Bennett Dornellas, allowing the child to 
receive urgent medical care and undoubtedly contributing to the preservation of 
his life; and

Whereas, although 
Bennett suffered severe burns during the horrific incident, he survived, and 
his resilience stands as a testament to the bravery and determination of the 
deputies who refused to leave him behind; and

Whereas, Sergeant 
Hunter Ruff, Sergeant Danny McCown, and Sergeant Stephen Earwood have each been 
recognized with the Medal of Valor for their courage and heroism displayed 
during this incident, and it is fitting and proper that Deputy Elijah Pierce 
receive equal recognition for his indispensable and heroic actions; and

Whereas, the members of 
the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for Deputy Pierce's 
unwavering commitment to duty, his devotion to protecting others, and the 
example of honor and courage he has set for his community and this State. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the 
South Carolina House of Representatives, 
by this resolution, recognize and honor Deputy Elijah Pierce of the Anderson 
County Sheriff's Office for his extraordinary courage, and selflessness, and 
decisive action during the life-threatening rescue of three-year-old Bennett 
Dornellas on May 8, 2024, and commend him for his heroic actions in the line of 
duty as deserving of the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor.

Be it further resolved 
that a copy of this resolution be presented to Deputy Elijah Pierce. 

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This web page was last updated on April 29, 2026 at 11:40 AM