By Bill Martin, Mount Pleasant Police Department
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (September 25, 2018) - The Mount Pleasant Police Department deployed a team of officers to the Horry-Georgetown County area Tuesday to support Hurricane relief efforts.
The group of 18 police officers started engines just before sunrise and moved out to go deliver critical help to the area, which is still suffering from sustained flooding in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.
“When the bell rings and our number is called, we stand up and respond to support our partners in need,” said Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie. “We’re committed to those partnerships, especially in times of crisis like what the area of Horry-Georgetown County is experiencing after Hurricane Florence.”
“I am proud to be associated with the fine officers of the Mount Pleasant Police Department,” Mayor Haynie said. “During the morning brief, Chief Ritchie and I told assured them that just as they have the backs of our neighbors affected by the flood, our community has their backs at home should their families need anything.”
How It Happened
Police chiefs across the state received an inquiry from the South Carolina Police Chiefs Association Thursday asking for additional law enforcement officers to respond to the area to assist with the flooding event.
In response, Ritchie said that he was more than happy to send officers to help efforts. The team was built and mobilized Tuesday.
“I know how it is to need assistance and resources, and have been on the receiving end,” said Ritchie. “When the call went out for assistance, we were happy to be able to respond and will be there as long as we are needed.”
What They’re Taking
While in place, the team will be providing support in the region for the next seven days, assisting with highwater response and rescue, traffic control and other calls for service. To do this they took a number of specialized vehicles and gear to aid their efforts.
Officers took the Police Department’s mobile command post, two high-water rescue vehicles with johnboats, generators and multiple other police vehicles.
Additionally, Mount Pleasant Fire Rescue sent seven personnel, a four-wheel-drive pickup, a 19-foot-flat-bottom boat, and a small inflatable boat with motor.
“The safety and security of the people in the Horry-Georgetown area is a foremost concern for that community, which makes it a foremost concern for us because of the relationships we’ve built over time,” said Ritchie. “We train for this, so anytime, anywhere, call us and we’re there.”