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Council honors Easley officer

By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter

jevans@thepccourier.com

EASLEY — A member of Easley’s police department was honored Monday night for his service to his country and his community.

Mayor Larry Bagwell presented Travis Evans with a key to the city in recognition of Evans recently being awarded the Purple Heart.

11-16 Page 3A.indd“It’s not often that you find a city that has a police officer who has earned two Purple Hearts,” Bagwell said. “Tonight the city is going to recognize him and tell him how proud we are of him.”

Cpl. Evans and fellow Marine Cpl. Alex Chapman, of Pacolet, were awarded their Purple Hearts during a special ceremony during the Clemson Tigers’ game against Syracuse, which was held during Clemson’s 23rd annual Military Appreciation Week.

Marine Gen. Glenn M. Walters, assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, awarded the Purple Hearts to Evans and Chapman.

“Both of these warriors did not receive their Purple Hearts while on active duty,” Clemson’s announcer told the crowd during the ceremony. “We are making that correction here today in front of their families and friends and fellow Clemson fans.”

“Cpl. Evans was wounded by an IED in Marjah, Afghanistan, on March 18, 2010, while assigned to the First Battalion, Sixth Marines, 2nd Marine Division,” the announcer told the crowd.

The award was Evans’ second Purple Heart. He was wounded twice during the deployment.

Evans and Chapman received a thunderous ovation from the crowd.

“This is the city’s highest award,” Bagwell told Evans as he presented the key to the city on Monday. “We just want you to know that we’re proud of you.”

The audience then gave Evans a standing ovation.