A national nonprofit organization, the One in Five Foundation for Kids, has announced plans to send volunteer patrols to McColl, South Carolina, while simultaneously calling for an investigation into the suspicious circumstances surrounding the recent death of Mayor George Garner. Garner died in a car crash last week, and the nonprofit is urging state law enforcement to review the case, citing concerns from the community and threats received since their announcement.
Key Takeaways
- The One in Five Foundation for Kids is requesting a formal investigation into Mayor George Garner’s death.
- The nonprofit plans to send volunteer patrols to McColl despite community pushback and threats.
- The local sheriff’s office has stated they can adequately protect the community without outside help.
Investigation Request
The One in Five Foundation for Kids, formerly known as the Uvalde Foundation for Kids, is taking a proactive stance in the wake of Mayor Garner’s tragic death. The organization plans to formally request that the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office, the South Carolina Office of Inspector General, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division conduct a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the mayor’s death.
Daniel Chapin, the foundation’s founder and national director, emphasized the need for answers for both the family and the community, stating, "We cannot idly accept the circumstances surrounding the death of this beloved leader in the community."
Community Response
The announcement of the nonprofit’s patrol plans has not been met with universal approval. Some residents have expressed discomfort with the idea of outside volunteers patrolling their streets. In fact, the organization has reported receiving threats, including a call from an individual warning them to "stay out of McColl" or face consequences.
Sheriff Lemon of Marlboro County has reassured the community that his office is fully capable of providing protection until a new police force is established. He stated, "There is without a doubt there is no issue and no problem with protection."
Nonprofit’s Stance
Despite the pushback, the One in Five Foundation for Kids remains committed to sending patrols to McColl. They argue that their presence is necessary, especially given the recent resignation of the town’s police chief and the entire police force. The nonprofit’s patrols will focus on patrolling schools and providing additional support to the community.
Chapin noted that the patrol members would serve as an extra resource, particularly in light of the community’s concerns about safety and trust in local law enforcement. However, it is important to clarify that these patrol members will not have the authority to enforce laws.
Conclusion
As the situation in McColl continues to unfold, the One in Five Foundation for Kids is determined to provide support while seeking clarity on the circumstances surrounding Mayor Garner’s death. The community’s response remains mixed, with some welcoming the assistance and others expressing concern over the involvement of an outside organization. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how this situation develops and whether the nonprofit’s efforts will be accepted by the residents of McColl.
Sources
- Nonprofit planning to patrol in McColl calls for investigation into mayor’s death amid pushback, WMBF.
- ‘Stay out of McColl’: National nonprofit receives threats after announcing plan to send volunteer patrols to help town – WBTW, WBTW.
