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Former McColl Police Chief Joins Bennettsville Force Amid Former Mayor’s Death

BENNETTSVILLE, S.C. — Former McColl Police Chief Bob Hale has rejoined the Bennettsville Police Department, marking his fourth tenure with the agency. The move comes just days after Hale and McColl’s entire police force abruptly resigned, leaving the town without local law enforcement.

Hale began his new role on Monday, according to records from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. His resignation, along with four other McColl officers, was effective Nov. 21. Hale, who had served as McColl’s police chief since June 2023, cited “repeated acts of harassment” and “personal attacks” by an unnamed town councilman as the primary reasons for his departure.

Allegations of Harassment and Budget Cuts

In a detailed Facebook post, Hale accused the councilman of fostering a hostile work environment, cutting the department’s budget, and neglecting critical needs such as updated equipment, enhanced training, and additional staffing.

“For months, I have endured unwarranted and malicious behavior aimed at undermining my integrity and leadership,” Hale wrote. “These actions have not only affected me personally but have also hindered the department’s ability to function effectively.”

Hale also stated that much of his time as police chief was spent clearing his and his officers’ names from “numerous falsehoods.”

A Town Without Police

Following the resignations, McColl Mayor George Garner confirmed that the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office would assist in covering the town, despite being short-staffed. Garner acknowledged the challenges posed by the lack of local law enforcement, including longer response times for emergencies. Efforts to hire a new police chief and officers are underway, with the mayor urging certified candidates to apply.

“We’ve received some applications for the police chief position, but it’s a difficult time for the town,” Garner said. The mayor also contacted neighboring municipalities for assistance, though no formal agreements are currently in place.

Hale’s Return to Bennettsville

Hale’s law enforcement career began in Bennettsville in 2007. He served three previous terms with the department before taking the role in McColl. His return to Bennettsville signals a fresh start after what he described as a tumultuous experience in McColl.

Now a Tragic Death Strikes McColl

The upheaval in McColl took a tragic turn just days after the police force resigned. Mayor George Garner II, 49, died in a head-on crash on Tuesday. According to Marlboro County Coroner Todd Hardee, Garner was being pursued by a Marlboro County deputy at the time. Hardee clarified that the pursuit was not related to any criminal activity but was instead an effort to ensure Garner’s well-being.

George Garner - McColl Police Chief — George Garner

Garner, who had recently been re-elected as mayor, was remembered for his dedication to the town. His death leaves McColl facing not only a leadership vacuum in its police department but also in its government.

SLED has an investigation that involves the late George Garner, Mayor of McColl, SC. SLED’s investigation is active and ongoing.

Looking Ahead

As McColl grapples with these challenges, Hale emphasized the need for accountability and change in his resignation statement.

“I believe that stepping away is the only way to shed light on the severity of these issues and call for accountability and change,” Hale wrote. “I remain hopeful that the Town of McColl will come together to address these challenges, prioritize ethical leadership, and create an environment where public servants can perform their duties free from undue interference.”

The situation in McColl underscores pressing questions about leadership, resource allocation, and public safety in small-town South Carolina.

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