Rock Hill businesses pay tribute to slain York County officer with ‘Thin Blue Line’

Woodworkers Robert and Courtney Deaton wanted to do something after the shooting death of York County police officer Mike Doty.

So they created a wood “Thin Blue Line” American flag, to honor law enforcement, at their Southern Elegance furnishings shop in Rock Hill. And they started an auction on Facebook to raise money for the family of Doty and three other officers wounded in the on-duty shootout.

“This is a tribute, and are proud to do what we can,” Robert Deaton said. “Officer Doty gave his life.”

The artwork is a replica of the black and white striped flag with one blue stripe, a symbol of support for police, Deaton said. The blue stripe represents the officer and the courage they find when faced with tough odds.

The project quickly raised $400 from donors on Facebook to cover the cost. But the Deatons and Whitney Goodale, owner of The Breezy Willow store, wanted to do more.

So they are continuing to raise donations for the Doty family at their shops. They plan to present the flag to Doty’s godson at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Breezy Willow.

Courtney Deaton said Doty gave the “ultimate sacrifice,” and her family feels compelled to help.

Three officers wounded in the shooting are home recovering. Sgt. Randy Clinton and Sgt. Buddy Brown of the sheriff’s office, and Sgt. Kyle Cummings of the York Police Department, were shot in what police said was an ambush by a domestic violence suspect.

Goodale said she is proud to display the flag.

“This will help the family, and the community, heal,” Goodale said.

The flag remains on display through Thursday at the Breezy Willow, 1636 Ebenezer Road.

Donations, to be given through the non-profit Sheriff’s Office Foundation of York County, will be accepted at the store through Friday.

This story was originally published January 26, 2018 at 5:14 PM with the headline "Rock Hill businesses pay tribute to slain York County officer with ‘Thin Blue Line’."