The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina is mourning the loss of one of its own after Deputy India Rackley died early Tuesday following a battle with cancer.
The agency confirmed her passing in a public announcement, describing the deputy as a dedicated member of the department and a person who left a meaningful mark on the community she served.
“The lives that Deputy Rackley impacted are too numerous to count,” the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement following the announcement of her death. The department also noted that it will “forever be proud” that Rackley chose to serve alongside them in law enforcement.
A deputy devoted to students and community
Rackley had been working with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office since December 2021. During her time with the agency, she served as a school resource officer for the Project GO Alternative Program.
Her work with the program placed her in daily contact with young people who needed guidance and support. In September 2024, the sheriff’s office publicly recognized her efforts after she helped demonstrate the importance of the American flag to students at the campus.
“Thank you SRO Rackley for pouring into the students on your campus and contributing to their growth,” the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office wrote at the time.
Earlier this year, the sheriff’s office shared details about Rackley’s medical battle. According to the department, the first warning signs appeared on October 8, 2025, when routine lab work during a visit to a new primary care physician revealed elevated liver enzyme levels.
Further testing followed in the months afterward. On December 13, 2025, Rackley received the devastating news that doctors had identified a mass affecting two-thirds of her liver, as well as her gall bladder and part of her small intestines.
Remembered for compassion and service
Following the news of her passing, many people reflected on the ways Rackley helped others throughout her career.
One community member, John Rice, shared a personal story on social media about the deputy’s role in supporting someone struggling with addiction. Rice recalled how Rackley worked with him to help the individual seek a better path.
According to Rice, Deputy Rackley continued to treat the person “with respect and concern” while encouraging them to overcome their addiction.
He later shared that the woman eventually turned her life around. She has now been sober for six years and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in social services.
For the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, those kinds of moments define Rackley’s legacy. “She loved hard and served hard,” the department said in its tribute, emphasizing the deep pride the agency felt in serving alongside her.
