By Betsy Finklea
The rain and cold didn’t dampen the celebratory spirit of the grand opening of the City of Dillon Police Department on Monday.
The ceremony, which was planned for outside, was moved into the training room of the new police department. The crowd spilled over into other rooms as numerous people came to get a glimpse of the new department.
Mayor Tally McColl warmly welcomed those in attendance. He asked everyone to rise as the police officers entered the room.
Pastor Joe Grice of the Dillon Church of God gave the invocation asking blessings for those men and women who have served the department in the past, now, and in the future. He also asked for blessings for their families and friends.
McColl said it was good to see such a turnout from the community. “This is a very special day in the City of Dillon,” he said calling it a day to show the city’s officers how much they are appreciated and to show that commitment to the community.
McColl said that Chief David Lane and City Manager Glen Wagner had the vision for a bigger, more modern police station. He said there were many setbacks along the way and many times he saw Lane and Wagner outside the building discussing things, but “today makes it all worthwhile.”
Along the way, they had a great deal of help, McColl noted. He said Rep. Jackie Hayes, who he called an incredible champion for the community, was a big help. Rep. Hayes was unable to attend today’s ceremony. McColl said Senator Kent Williams was always wanting to know what they needed. He also thanked the Dillon City Council, who made this project possible. Most of all, McColl said, he thanked the citizens of Dillon for their support of the men and women who wear the badge. He said today was a day to recognize the men and women of the City of Dillon Police Department.
McColl thanked the City of Dillon Police for what they do and said he was happy to be the first to welcome them to their well-deserved new home. McColl then shook hands with Chief David Lane.
Senator Kent Williams said this great celebration was something well-deserved. He said he didn’t know of a more noble profession than serving as a peace officers. “Thank you for a job well done,” he said. Williams pointed out that this is what happens when people come together and see a need and is a great example of collaboration and partnership.
Williams said public safety is a number one priority. He said if people don’t feel safe in their community everything else is irrelevant.
Bryan Braddock, the Economic Development and Community Director for Congressman Russell Fry, said that economic development is hinged on community safety. He said they allowed each person present to do their job in safety. He presented Chief Lane a flag that flew over the Capitol in Washington, DC on October 21, 2024 at the request of Congressman Fry in honor of the grand opening of the City of Dillon Police Department.
A.D. Jordan, the regional director for Senator Tim Scott’s Office, said Senator Scott regretted not being able to attend, but said he stands with the police department 100 percent totally. He said if there is anything they can do, “we’re there.” He said that the measure of the character and fiber of a community is how they support their police department and that today’s crowd showed they had support.
Chief David Lane said that today was a great day and a day that the police department had waited for a long time. He said this had been a vision and dream for over two years. He said it began with a meeting with First Bank, who was building a new building. The idea that this could be a police department was born. He said the bids came in from Gilbert Construction, and there was not enough money to do the project. He said Rep. Hayes was contacted for help and in July 2023, Rep. Hayes and Senator Williams secured the funds.
Lane said great care was taken preserving the history of the building on the second floor. He thanked Senator Williams, Rep. Hayes, and City Manager Glen Wagner for making this dream a reality.
“This building is for you,” Lane told the police officers. “Something you can be proud of.”
Lane recognized some of the officers in attendance who came before including Assistant Chief Bobby McLean, Sgt. Robert Adams, First Sergeant Harold Carmichael, and Detective Jason Turner. He said former chief Joe Rogers was unable to attend.
He also recognized all of the current officers including Captain Ryan Berry, Lt. Monroe Herring, Lt. Melvin Lee, Sgt. Ray McPhatter, Sgt. Jeffrey Cook, Sgt. Ricky Day, Sgt. Blake Legette, Sgt. C.J. Zeller, Cpl. Corey McLaurin, Cpl. Drew Massengale, Cpl. Miguel Lara, Cpl. Tim George, LCpl. C.J. Barr, LCpl. Leslie Jones, LCpl. Matt Townsend, Pfc. Dustin Hinson, and Pfc. Dalamarius Coon.
Pastor Matt Adams of First Presbyterian Church of Dillon gave the benediction.
After the benediction, the ribbon was cut and people enjoyed tours of the building and refreshments on the second floor.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon County News, LLC
Pictured are Mayor Tally McColl, Chief David Lane, Councilman Johnny Eller, Councilman Jay David, Captain Ryan Berry, City Manager Glen Wagner, and Councilman Phil Wallace.
