OUR STORY

Micheal R. Doty

EOW - January 17, 2018

On January 16, 2018, our lives changed forever. On January 17, 2018, our hearts were forever broken.

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On January 15, 2018, a domestic abuse call went out across the police radios in York County, South Carolina. A call that on an ordinary day would not have registered a second thought. But this call would change the lives of many forever.

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A K9 page was placed and soon shots would ring out in the small neighborhood between York and Rock Hill, SC. An officer was down. Sgt. Randy Clinton was shot by a suspect. The York County Sheriff's Office SWAT team was called.

In the early morning hours of January 16, amidst the freezing cold temperatures hovering in the teens, the suspect was thought to have been located. What happened next stunned a community.

Three more officers were shot: Sgt. Buddy Brown, Sgt. Kyle Cummings, and Det. Mike Doty.

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Each of the officers, critically wounded, were transported to area hospitals. Three would eventually go home; one did not.

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Det. Mike Doty succumbed to his injuries on the evening on January  17, 2018, surrounded by family and friends.The loss of his life was felt beyond that room; beyond that hospital; and beyond that community. 

Det. Mike Doty was known for his strong-will, his caring spirit, and his commitment to service and helping others.

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Shortly after his passing, the 809 Foundation was created in memory of Det. Mike Doty to continue his legacy of service.

Our mission is to provide assistance in: substance abuse prevention and treatment; youth mentoring; and community unity – including supporting law enforcement.

Why 809? Officers are typically assigned numbers to identify them on the radio. Det. Mike Doty was call number 809. Law enforcement codes are also often used to expedite communication – in some areas of law enforcement 809 refers to a missing person.  

Why the foundation? Mike Doty was a servant. He served his community; he served his friends; he served his family. He was always willing to help others when they were in need. He served York County in several ways, including:

• Being the NARCAN officer for the York County Sheriff’s Office. He also was an instructor for the Alive at 25 program. He was passionate about making an impact in curbing substance abuse.

• Serving as an advisor for the Explorers Post 1786 – training youth about law enforcement. He also served for time as a youth group leader. He was a positive influence in the lives of countless young people. Mentoring youth and serving as a role model was an important aspect Mike’s character.

• Championing causes. He participated annually in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. He was a proponent of the anti-bullying movement. He helped his godson create a video to promote the Fort Mill Community Playhouse.

As the 809 Foundation grows we will strive each day to honor the legacy of Det. Mike Doty. We strive to support those causes that were important to Mike – to stand in the gap and fill a small part of the void that was left in his absence.

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-Lisa Moseley, 809 Foundation Co-Founder