Tammy Wyche and Shannon Wilder with the SC Guardian Ad Litem were impressed with the large turn-out
CareSouth representatives Tracy Hunter and Sharon Drake were happy to be a part of Community Night
Pictured left to right: Kalise Blair, Patricia Blair-David, and Kamdyn Blair.
Pictured left to right: Retired Sgt. Melvin Deese, Luitenant Bob Hale, and Assistant to the Chief of BPD Tony Chavis.
Tierra Wingate and Tara Funderburk with Probation and Parole took a pause to pose
MARLBORO COUNTY — On Tuesday night the Bennettsville Police Department held their Community Night, an event where first responders come together with the police department to give back and get to know the families and community members they serve and protect. Attendees were treated to food, fun, music, and an assembly line of book bags, books, and supplies for area children to be equipped for a bright school year.
Bennettsville Police Chief Sammy Crosland explained, “Before I became Chief, we had stopped doing Community Nights. When I took this position, I knew the first thing I wanted to do was return to having Community Night so citizens, and most importantly children, can get to know their local law enforcement members.”
In addition to several members of the BPD, EMS, the Bennettsville Fire Department, and Sheriff Larry McNeil and staff were also present for all the fun.
“I am very excited to have EMS, the Fire Department, and the Sheriff here tonight. I really feel Community Night is special because getting to know our officers builds trust and support within the community. Having the youth here is a blessing in that it gives them an opportunity to meet us and see that we aren’t scary. We want them to know when they are scared or in trouble, it’s okay to tell an officer, that not all police officers are bad.”
Local resident Patricia Blair-David said she was having a great time at the event and felt safer getting to interact with officers.
“I am so glad to see the community come together to serve our children,” Blair-David said.
Library Director Bobbie Grooms greeted attendees and made sure each child took home an exciting new adventure in the form of a book. Eager to share her love of reading with students, Grooms watched excitedly as each child picked out a book to take home and enjoy.
“I am here to participate in the community partnership on behalf of the Marian Wright Edelman Public Library,” said Grooms. “We have brought a lot of books because I think anything we can do to get books in the hands of kids for back to school I am all for. The library is so excited to be a part of these community events and to give back to the police who do so much to always support us.”
CareSouth Carolina also had a booth set up to help kids and families start the new school year off right. CareSouth representatives Tracy Hunter and Sharon Drake took a moment to share their thoughts on the night’s festivities.
Hunter said, “I feel this has already been a big success.” Agreeing, Drake added, “I am really impressed with the nice turnout.”
Tammy Wyche and Shannon Wilder with the SC Guardian Ad Litem agreed.
Wyche said, “This has been a really great turnout, and I want to add, we are always looking for volunteers!”
Wilder added, “This is such a great affair for the community. It is great to see children smiling, happy, playing games and just having a good time.”
