MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Myrtle Beach Police Officer Jacob Hancher was killed Saturday in the line of duty after a shooting near Yaupon Drive in Myrtle Beach.

Hancher was a Community Service Officer for four years and a Police Officer for less than one year.

“He was a dedicated public servant who upheld his oath to protect this community and made the ultimate sacrifice,” Myrtle Beach Police Chief Amy Prock said. “Please keep Jacob, his family and his fellow officers in your prayers.”

“He cared about the people that he served, served with, and absolutely loved Myrtle Beach,” Prock said.

“Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters of the Myrtle Beach Police Department as they face the loss of one of their own, PFC Jacob Hancher,” Horry County Police Department said. “MBPD, we stand with you. We will be by your side as you walk this awful path—remember, in this family, no one fights alone. To our community members, please join us in supporting the MBPD team, as well as PFC’s Hancher’s family and friends. His service and sacrifice cannot and will not be forgotten.”

Hancher was also a volunteer firefighter with Horry County Fire Rescue.

“Our hearts go out to Hancher’s family, friends, loved ones, law enforcement colleagues and fellow team members here at HCFR during this difficult time,” Horry County Fire Rescue said.

The church that Hancher belonged to posted this message:

“St. James family, It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of one of our own parishioners, Jacob Hancher. Jacob was a police officer in Myrtle Beach,” the post says.

“Jacob was a missionary on our 2017 mission to Honduras. For those who were able to serve alongside him, they learned of his kindness and selfless service,” the post says. “We are deeply saddened by his passing. We ask for your prayers for his family, friends, and fellow officers who are mourning his loss. Eternal rest grant onto him, O Lord. Let perpetual light shine upon him.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the [MBPD] as they mourn the loss of one of their own, PFC Jacob Hancher,” the South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s tweet says.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of PFC Jacob Hancher, the Myrtle Beach Police Department and our community as we mourn,” a Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce tweet says.

Pawleys Island Police Department posted this tweet, “We offer our condolences to the Myrtle Beach Police Department on the line of duty death of Officer Jacob Hancher. He have his life to save others and there is no greater sacrifice. Rest in peace sir.”

“Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters of the Myrtle Beach Police Department as they face the loss of one of their own, PFC Jacob Hancher,” a tweet from the Horry County Police Department says.

“[MBPD], we stand with you. We will be by your side as you walk this awful path. Remember, in this family, no one fights alone.”

The Florence Police Department told News13’s Matt Fortin the tragic death of PFC. Hancher hit close to home.

“The death of Officer Jacob Hancher is close to home for us at the Florence Police Department. The Sgt. Terrence Carraway and Inv. Farrah Turner’s tragic deaths seem to have been just yesterday,” Mike Brandt with FPD said. “Our words fail to express the depth of this sorrow, but our officers and staff understand the heaviness of their loss, and we mourn with them.  Chief Heidler has reached out to Chief Prock to offer our condolences and our full assistance.”

“Last night, South Carolina suffered a tragic loss when [MBPD] PFC Jacob Hancher was killed in the line of duty,” Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette’s tweet says.

“Our prayers go out to his family, his loved ones, and the MBPD family.”

“I was just in Myrtle Beach on Friday speaking with police officers. My prayers are with the family and friends of PFC Jacob Hancher, who was killed in the line of duty,” Senator Lindsey Graham tweeted.

“The cops need our support now more than ever. I’ve never known a more difficult time to be a police officer.”

“Our thoughts are with the Myrtle Beach Police Department as they mourn the loss of Officer Jacob Hancher who paid the ulitmate sacrifice after being killed in the line of duty,” Mount Pleasant Police Department tweeted.

“Also, we wish a speedy recovery to the other officer involved.”

Governor Henry McMaster shared his condolences on twitter Monday morning saying, ” The news of this heinous act of violence is nothing less than gut wrenching. Peggy and I ask that you join us in praying for Officer Hancher’s family and the Myrtle Beach community.”