
Freshman Senator Calls for Action as McColl Faces Leadership Crisis
McCOLL, S.C. — Just days after being sworn into office, South Carolina Sen. JD Chaplin is taking aim at a national non-profit group’s activities in McColl, a town now facing significant challenges after the resignation of its entire police force.
Chaplin, a Republican representing Chesterfield, Darlington, Lee, Marlboro, and Sumter counties, has formally requested an advisory opinion from South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson. In his letter, Chaplin questioned the legality of the Uvalde Foundation, also known as the One in Five Foundation for Kids, organizing volunteer patrols in McColl following the police department’s dissolution.
“It has come to my attention that a national non-profit group is sending individuals to a South Carolina municipality to engage in ‘volunteer patrols’ following resignations by the municipality’s police chief and police force,” Chaplin wrote. “I strongly believe in the rule of law and keeping our citizens safe.”
The foundation claims its patrols aim to provide community support, reduce safety incidents, and engage with residents, particularly near schools. However, Chaplin raised concerns that the patrols could constitute an “unlawful usurpation of the municipality’s police powers.”
In response, One in Five Foundation founder Daniel Chapin defended the initiative, emphasizing that the patrols are not affiliated with law enforcement and operate strictly within legal limits.
National Foundation To Request State Review Of McColl, SC Mayors Tragic Death: Continues Patrol Plans. @wcbd https://t.co/xvkqpNWXqz
— The One In Five – Foundation For Kids (@1in5foundation) December 4, 2024
“These are specially trained and committed volunteers who themselves have a right to patrol and monitor any community so long as they do so within the legal limits of the law,” Chapin stated. “Any challenge to such is a strict violation of the rights and, quite frankly, the duties of any American citizen. In fact, we invite the senator to stop talking and join a patrol.”
Where is the McColl Police?
The controversy comes as McColl faces a public safety crisis. The town’s police chief, Bob Hale, and all four officers resigned, leaving the municipality without a police force.
Mayor George Garner confirmed that Friday marked the final day for the department’s leadership and staff. According to Garner, Chief Hale was the first to resign, with the other officers following his lead.
Hale painted a contentious picture in a Facebook post, alleging harassment, personal attacks, and a hostile work environment created by an unnamed town councilman.’
“For months, I have endured unwarranted and malicious behavior aimed at undermining my integrity and leadership,” Hale wrote. He accused the councilman of slashing the department’s budget and neglecting essential needs such as modern equipment, staffing, and training.
Mayor Garner, however, claimed Hale’s resignation was amicable, citing a better job offer as the reason for his departure.
A Town Without Police
With no police force in place, McColl is relying on assistance from the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office and neighboring agencies. Garner has also requested help from off-duty officers and contacted the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for support.
Efforts to recruit a new police chief and staff are ongoing. Garner encouraged certified officers to apply, acknowledging the challenges of rebuilding the department.
Hale Joins Bennettsville Police Amidst McColl Turmoil
Just days after his resignation, Hale returned to the Bennettsville Police Department, marking his fourth tenure with the agency. Records from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy confirm his new role began on Monday.
Hale’s departure from McColl follows allegations of a hostile work environment and budgetary neglect. He emphasized that his resignation was intended to draw attention to systemic issues within the town’s leadership.

Tragic Loss of Mayor Garner
The upheaval in McColl deepened with the sudden death of Mayor George Garner II, who was involved in a fatal head-on collision during a pursuit by a Marlboro County deputy. Coroner Todd Hardee clarified that the pursuit was unrelated to any criminal activity but rather an effort to ensure Garner’s well-being.
Garner’s death leaves McColl grappling with leadership vacuums in both its police department and municipal government. SLED has confirmed an active investigation involving the late mayor.
Looking Ahead
As McColl navigates these challenges, Chaplin’s call for clarity on the legality of non-profit patrols highlights broader questions about public safety and governance. Hale’s resignation and the tragic loss of Garner underscore the need for accountability and strategic leadership to address the town’s immediate and long-term needs.
“The Town of McColl must prioritize ethical leadership and create an environment where public servants can perform their duties free from undue interference,” Hale said in his resignation statement.
The situation in McColl serves as a stark reminder of the complex issues facing small-town communities in South Carolina.
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