HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)-There’s a new committee in Horry County and members hope they can fight crime, especially violence among teens. Lt. Raul Denis said there were 18 homicides in the county last year. A member of the group told News13 she doesn’t have to lose a child to know that there are too many being lost to the streets.
She and seven others formed a subcommittee to work with the county’s public safety department. The group includes a school board member, a minister, a councilman and a businesswoman. They will work with local law enforcement and give them suggestions how to better the community.
If they find certain initiatives aren’t working then they can request county officials spend money on a program that is working. Holly Heniford, a single mother and member of the group said crime has gone on too long and she has to do something about it.
“If I wasn’t on this camera, you would see tears coming down my face. This is just not good for anybody. Any mother thinking about losing their child. Period. Its scares them to death. It’s a call to action. I feel the momma bear syndrome I guess is a term and I want to jump and protect these children from these situations and that passion I hope, will come through with the committee.”
The group will work with churches, civic groups, the Boys and Girls Club and local business owners to form structured activities for teens. Heniford hopes the group efforts will save lives.
“I found it hard to explain to people the lives that we lost and the ripple effect of losing those lives is horrible. It’s beyond just that community, it affects the entire county. I can’t imagine what that community is going through that’s another reason I am so passionate to help them.”
The subcommittee plans to meet again in May at the county building and they want public input. They’d like to hear what is working in your community and what could be done differently.
When we learn the date of the meeting, we’ll let you know.
