Dennis James Lyden was born in Elmhurst, New York, a son of the late Margaret Collins Lyden. He lived in the Conway area of Horry County and faithfully served our country in the United States Marine Corps before entering the law enforcement field.          

During Dennis’s career, he continued to pursue educational opportunities to become the best person and police officer he could . He attended the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, Field Training Officers School, Defensive Driving, Police Radar, Homicide Investigations, Introduction to Community Policing, and Basic Jail Training.        

Officer Lyden worked with the Department of Corrections Services in New York, the Horry County Detention Center, the Marion Police Department, and in 1995  began with the Horry County Police Department. He was promoted to Corporal in 1998. In June 2000, during a suspicious vehicle stop, Dennis lost his life as a result of an assault.       

Dennis is survived by his wife Maryann Lyden, two brothers, and one sister. He was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police and Saint James Catholic Church.       

His caring demeanor was evident in his dealings with the citizens of our County. He loved being involved with children and was an outstanding role model. Dennis’s smile and gentle compassion for others will be missed and remembered forever.          

End of Watch: June 5, 2000

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