Organizers of the Clarendon County Hometown Heroes Community Day paid tribute to fallen Deputy Sheriff Mason Moore on Saturday.
Moore, who previously served in the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office, was killed in the line of duty in Montana in May.
The free event held Saturday at J.C. Britton Park in Manning sported inflatable bounce houses sponsored by Manning United Methodist and Seacoast churches and the Laurence Manning Academy Anchor Club. The LMA Red Cross Club, Clarendon County Pilot Club and the Manning Rotary Club sponsored games and prizes, while the Manning High School FFA gave out free hot dogs and chili.
A free drawing of Paw Patrol items kicked off every hour at the event, in which children had the opportunity to play on fire trucks, police cars and the Department of Natural Resources boat and all-terrain vehicle.
Law enforcement from all local agencies, as well as DNR, were present.
Even though 14-year-old Alyssa Gottheiner planned the program originally around an essay winner’s police car ride, the program has evolved since the last function. The goal of the day was for the community to interact with law enforcement in a positive way and foster positive relationships within the community.
“The event took six months to organize, with many hours of planning getting sponsors and recruiting volunteers, we had about 20 volunteers in all Saturday,” said Alyssa. “After reading of Deputy Moore’s passing, I decided to dedicate the event in his honor and memory. I know that he would support this cause so all the planning was worth it. First responders work so hard dedicating their lives to our community, I want them to know how much we appreciate what they do and the sacrifices they make for us.”
Hometown Heroes Essay Contest is an initiative in which Alyssa hopes to have three winners each year. The first, who remained anonymous, gave the prize to 5-year-old James Smith, who underwent a heart transplant in 2016. He got to ride in a police car, received a trophy and was treated to breakfast with law enforcement officers at Shoney’s.
Essays are written about local law enforcement officers who have served as inspirations or heroes to the writers, which can include any school-aged children. The first winning essay was written about Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Gene Morris.
Donations are still being accepted to support Moore and can be mailed to P.O. Box 1272, Manning, SC 29102.
T-shirts supporting the Clarendon County Hometown Heroes program can also be purchased for $10 at Manning United Methodist Church, The Monkey Grinder and the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office.
