Radcliffeborough in Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
In memory of PFC Dennis E. LaPage
City of Charleston Police Department
| | September 2, 1965 to January 19, 2002 | |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 3, 2019
1. In memory of PFC Dennis E. LaPage Marker
An eleven-year veteran of the City Police Department, Officer LaPage was dedicated to his job and respected by others in his field. He joined the force as a dispatcher before becoming an officer. A devoted husband and stepfather, he regularly worked security at this location. On January 19, 2002, Officer LaPage was shot and killed here while protecting those that he served.
His earthly life was taken, but his memory will live forever in the hearts of his wife Jolene, his children Jackie and Ralph Torbit, his sisters in New York, and the many brothers of the fine blue line. He is missed and loved, and while he may be gone, he will never be forgotten.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is January 19, 2002.
Location. 32° 47.218′ N, 79° 56.323′ W. Marker is in Charleston, South Carolina, in Charleston County. It is in Radcliffeborough. It is at the intersection of Saint Philip Street and Vanderhorst Street, on the left when traveling south on Saint Philip Street. The marker is mounted on the southwest corner of the Kelly
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Historic Charleston and in the Lowcountry. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Robert E. Lee Memorial Highway (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Siege of Charleston, 1780 (about 700 feet away); Board of Field Officers of the Fourth Brigade (about 700 feet away); The Liberty Trail (about 700 feet away); Remnant of Horn Work (about 700 feet away); Defending Independence (about 800 feet away); Dates of Historical Interest (approx. 0.2
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 3, 2019
2. In memory of PFC Dennis E. LaPage Marker
The marker is mounted on the southwest corner of the Kelly House Apartments building, facing Saint Philip Street.
Also see . . . Private First Class Dennis Elisha LaPage (Officer Down Memorial).
Excerpt: Private First Class Dennis LaPage was shot and killed by a suspect who went on a shooting spree following a three-car collision he was involved in at Cannon Street and Courtenay Drive. The crash occurred in front of a hospital helicopter landing pad. Two flight medics who were eating at a nearby restaurant witnessed the incident and ran to the scene to offer assistance. As they checked the victims, the suspect reached back into his car and retrieved a handgun. He then opened fire, striking both flight medics, killing one.(Submitted on June 3, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)The suspect then fled the scene and encountered PFC LaPage, who was working a uniformed off-duty security job at a private college dorm. Thinking PFC LaPage was searching for him, the suspect immediately opened fire, striking him in the head, back, and elbow. The suspect continued to fire several more shots before being apprehended by police on Meeting Street. PFC LaPage was wearing a protective vest at the time.
The suspect was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on October 23, 2002.
PFC LaPage was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Charleston Police Department for seven years. He is survived by his wife and two step-children.
Additional commentary.
1.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 3, 2019
3. In memory of PFC Dennis E. LaPage Marker
Looking east from Saint Philip Street at the southwest corner of the Kelly House Apartments building.
While most law enforcement dedications do not serve as historical markers, this plaque has been included in the database as an exception or a slip-in.
— Submitted June 10, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 15 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 3, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
