The small town of McColl, South Carolina, home to approximately 2,000 residents, has been hit by a series of unfortunate incidents. The town’s police department, under the leadership of Chief Bob Hale, collectively resigned, citing a hostile work environment allegedly fostered by a councilman. In a further blow to the community, Mayor George Garner tragically lost his life in a car accident shortly after.
On Halloween, Chief Hale announced his resignation via a Facebook post. He had served in the position for a year and pointed to ongoing harassment, personal character attacks, and a hostile work environment created by a specific councilman as reasons for his departure. He also highlighted other unwarranted and malicious behavior that contributed to a toxic atmosphere within the department. Budget cuts, which impeded efforts to modernize equipment, enhance training, and increase staffing levels, were also cited.
Hale’s resignation took effect on November 22, and the remaining four department officers followed suit. Former investigator Courtney Bulusan, who was among those who resigned, voiced her frustration with the situation, stating that she could not tolerate a job where she felt threatened and unappreciated.
At the time, Mayor Garner expressed regret over the resignations but remained hopeful about the town’s future. He assured residents that the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office would oversee the town until a new police chief could be appointed.
However, tragedy struck just days later when Mayor Garner was involved in a fatal car accident. Garner was driving a 2007 Chevy Tahoe on Highway 34 in Mechanicsville, about 30 miles south of McColl, when he crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with a tractor-trailer. Both Garner and the truck driver were rushed to the hospital, but Garner succumbed to his injuries. He was 49 years old.
Darlington County coroner J. Todd Hardee revealed that a sheriff’s deputy had been pursuing Garner at the time of the accident, not due to any legal infractions, but in an effort to ensure his well-being. The circumstances surrounding this pursuit remain unclear. Hardee promised a ruling on the manner of death in the coming days and asked for prayers for Garner’s family and the community.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, adding another layer of uncertainty to a town already grappling with the loss of its police force and mayor.