MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)- Myrtle Beach community activists Benny Swans is a decorated Vietnam War veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. He says he suffers from that since being around a lot of violence in his lifetime. Swans says kids in Myrtle Beach and all over Horry county also suffer from PTSD especially after so many violent crimes have claimed the lives of young people. Swans is calling on the community to ask city and county leaders for help.
“We can solve this problem so all kids can have a shot at the American dream. That is our responsibility as older adults, that is our responsibility as citizens and leaders in this community, to work our tails off to make sure we have a safe and productive environment for our children.”
Swans works closely with Myrtle Beach city council and Horry county council. While both the city and county are working together to come up with a long-term plan to reduce violence in our neighborhoods, city spokesman Mark Kruea said they city does not have enough police officers as is.
“Nationally the police profession may not have been in the best light lately and people are saying oh I don’t know if I want to be a police officer. We would ask everyone to look at what the police officers do and the wonderful contributions they make to the community and give it a thought because it is really a great and rewarding career.”
The city is offering a few initiatives right now for those looking to become police officers. You can learn more about that here.
Swans is asking the community to be involved in city and county council meetings so officials can hear your safety concerns.
The next city council meeting will be Tuesday, February 23rd.