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Memorial for Officer Allen Jacobs held at Bob Jones University

Memorial held in lieu of traditional prayer breakfast

A portrait of former Greenville Police Department officer Allen Jacobs is visible during a memorial in honor of his life and service at Bob Jones University Thursday, March 18, 2021
A portrait of former Greenville Police Department officer Allen Jacobs is visible during a memorial in honor of his life and service at Bob Jones University Thursday, March 18, 2021
© JOSH MORGAN/Staff via Imagn Content Services, LLC

A ceremony was held today at Bob Jones University to commemorate the fifth anniversary of death in the line of duty of Greenville Police Department Officer Allen Jacobs.

On March 18, 2016, Jacobs was shot and killed while chasing a fleeing suspect.  He was the first GPD officer to die in line of duty in 20 years.


BJU President Steve Pettit gave brief remarks following the performance of a modified ceremonial guard by the Greenville Police Department Honor Guard.

Greenville Police Department honor guard officers prepare to change guard detail during a memorial service for former officer Allen Jacobs in honor of JacobsGreenville Police Department honor guard officers prepare to change guard detail during a memorial service for former officer Allen Jacobs in honor of Jacobs' life and service at Bob Jones University Thursday, March 18, 2021© JOSH MORGAN/Staff via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Pettit said Jacobs joined the Army at age 17 and served for six and a half years.  During that time, he earned a degree in criminal justice.

Jacobs then joined the GPD in 2011; he was part of SWAT team and community response team.  Pettit said he was also involved in community coordination and education programs, and was awarded a Purple Heart after getting hit by vehicle while answering a complaint.

Greenville Police Department honor guard officers during a memorial service for officer Allen Jacobs at Bob Jones University Thursday, March 18, 2021.Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis (left) shakes hands with Greenville Police Chief Howie Thompson before a memorial service for officer Allen Jacobs at Bob Jones University Thursday, March 18, 2021.© JOSH MORGAN/Staff via Imagn Content Services, LLC

After Jacobs death, BJU started a prayer breakfast to honor him, law enforcement, and first responders. Due to COVID, the breakfast was unable to happen this year, but Pettit said that next year's breakfast will also honor Sgt. Conley Jumper, who died in the line of duty in 2020.

Dr. Don Jacobs and Dr. Tammie Jacobs, Allen's parents, are members of BJU School of Education faculty, and Allen attended Bob Jones Academy.

At the request of his parents, the Allen Jacobs Memorial Scholarship fund for criminal justice students was established.  Pettit announced thus far $108,780 has been given to the fund, and scholarships are awarded every year.

Greenville Police Department honor guard officers place a wreath next to a squad vehicle during a memorial service for officer Allen Jacobs at Bob Jones University Thursday, March 18, 2021.Greenville Police Department honor guard officers place a wreath next to a squad vehicle during a memorial service for officer Allen Jacobs at Bob Jones University Thursday, March 18, 2021.© JOSH MORGAN/Staff via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Following Pettit's remarks, the GPD Honor Guard placed a memorial wreath by a GPD vehicle and flag display at the front of campus while a musician played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes.

Memorial held in lieu of traditional prayer breakfast