In Loving Memory of Ada Duncan: Beloved ECSO Dispatcher and Community Servant
EDGEFIELD COUNTY, SC — With profound sadness and heavy hearts, the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office and community mourn the tragic and untimely passing of Ada Duncan, a cherished dispatcher who dedicated nearly 25 years of unwavering service to her department and neighbors.
Ada tragically succumbed to injuries sustained in a vehicle collision early this morning while on her way to work—a journey she had made countless times in the spirit of service and devotion. The devastating loss has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community and the broader public who came to know and rely on Ada as a steady, dependable voice during their most vulnerable moments.
For nearly a quarter of a century, Ada was a cornerstone of the ECSO communications team. Known as the calm voice in chaos, Ada brought grace and grit to a profession that is often demanding and unseen. Her work was not just a job—it was a calling. She helped guide officers, firefighters, EMTs, and citizens through life-threatening emergencies with a steady hand and a caring heart.
“Ada wasn’t just a dispatcher—she was family,” one colleague said. “She brought light into the darkest of moments and never let the weight of the job dim her compassion or her commitment.”
Over her 25 years with ECSO, Ada witnessed and responded to the full range of human experience. Whether it was directing an officer to the scene of a crime, comforting a distressed caller, or coordinating with paramedics in critical situations, Ada remained calm, professional, and deeply empathetic.
Beyond the radio headset, Ada was known for her warm smile, her sense of humor, and her kindness. Her coworkers often describe her as the heart of the dispatch center—a person who uplifted those around her with encouraging words and a thoughtful presence. She was a mentor to many younger dispatchers, a fierce advocate for public safety, and a proud resident of the county she served so faithfully.
In a statement released by the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office, officials expressed their deep sorrow:
“Ada loved her career and especially loved helping her community. She was truly the calm voice on the other end of the radio and did her best every day to keep the citizens and first responders of Edgefield County safe. Please keep her family, friends, and ECSO family in your prayers during the coming days and weeks as we all process this great loss.”
The suddenness of Ada’s passing has left a void that cannot be filled. Her absence will be deeply felt—not just in the ECSO dispatch center, but throughout every corner of the community she dedicated her life to protecting. Plans for a public memorial service will be shared in the coming days, as fellow first responders, friends, and neighbors come together to honor the life and legacy of an extraordinary woman.
Ada is survived by loving family members, friends, and an entire community who admired and respected her. As we grieve her passing, we also celebrate the remarkable life she led—one defined by service, sacrifice, and love.
Rest in peace, Ada Duncan. Your voice may be silent now, but your legacy echoes through every life you touched. You will never be forgotten.