Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade

 

The Town of Mount Pleasant’s annual Christmas Light Parade will take place on Sunday December 13^th at 5:30 p.m. The parade will begin after a firework display and travel down Coleman Blvd. from Whilden Street to Patriots Point Road. We are expecting traffic on Coleman Blvd. and surrounding areas to be heavier than normal starting around 3:00 p.m.  The timeline for road closures are as follows:

4:00 p.m.– Coleman Blvd. from Pherigo Street to Whilden Street will be closed

5:00 p.m. – Coleman Blvd. from Whilden Street to Patriots Point Road will be closed

We are looking forward to a fun, safe event and hope to have Coleman Blvd. opened back up around 9:00 p.m. Traffic coming into Mount Pleasant over the Ravenel Bridge will be routed onto Highway 17 North.

Investigation Update

 

Mount Pleasant, S.C. - The Mount Pleasant Police Department completed the investigation into the rumor of a threat of violence at Lucy Beckham High School. Interviews with multiple individuals involved uncovered no threat of violence towards the school. The investigation concluded that this was a disagreement between individuals via Snapchat. 

 We want to thank everyone who reached out to us with information about this issue! The Mount Pleasant Police Department takes all incidents such as these seriously and investigates them to the fullest extent. Students are encouraged to report any circumstance they feel could endanger their safety or the safety of others. These reports should be reported by telling an administrator/teacher/parent, calling dispatch at 843-743-7200, or taken anonymously through our smartphone application. If the threat is considered imminent, please call 911.

Veterans Day

Chief Arnold held a ceremony recognizing our sworn and civilian Veterans. We appreciate their service to our United States Military. Chief Arnold also approved and issued uniform pins for officers and civilians to wear in recognition of their service.

Employee recognitions for Quarter Three

 

Employee recognitions for Quarter Three

Mrs. Kerry Foy was selected as the Civilian of the Quarter for Quarter Three 2021! This quarter Mrs. Foy has accepted more responsibility with the department’s report writing system along with her daily responsibilities of leading our records office and all that comes with a 24/7/365 department. Mrs. Foy has been able to adjust to pandemic protocols and any challenge that came her way with compassion. Mrs. Foy’s contribution to the records office supports the police department and keeps us running efficiently.

SPO Kyle Alexander was selected as the Officer of the Quarter for Quarter Three 2021! This quarter SPO Alexander has taken on more responsibility in our police explorer program. Over the quarter SPO Alexander coordinated a schedule for the program which allowed the members to learn a variety of law enforcement topics. SPO Alexander was able to coordinate with outside agencies and bring the explorers out to community events. The group participated in the Sweetgrass Festival, Coffee with a Cop, the 9/11 Silent Walk, and the Cooper River Bridge Run. As a post advisor, SPO Alexander has been a big part of the success of the explore program.

Sergeant Trevor Simmons was selected as the Supervisor of the Quarter for Quarter Three 2021! This quarter SGT Simmons was thrown several administrative issues regarding our vehicles and building. He always had a plan and corrected the wiring on vehicles, security to our building, and serving in the Emergency Operations Center for the Cooper River Bridge Run. No matter what was thrown his way, SGT Simmons handled his duties without delay and efficiently.

September 11th, 2021

 

We were honored to participate in two events this weekend to remember and honor those lost on September 11^th, 2001.

The 8^th annual 9/11 Silent Walk had a group come together as first responders and a community to walk 5.7 miles across the Ravenel Bridge ending on the flight deck of the USS Yorktown.

We came together with our Fire Department and formed TEAM MOUNT PLEASANT to participate in the 10^th annual 9/11 Heroes Run for the Travis Manion Foundation. This year we created a new shirt and had 36 participants which was our biggest group yet!

Promotions

Earlier this week Chief Arnold promoted Dan Eckert to the rank of sergeant and Tony Winstead to the rank of senior sergeant. 

Sergeant Eckert will be assigned as a field operations supervisor. 

The senior sergeant recognition comes after serving for ten years as a sergeant. Congratulations to Senior Sergeant Winstead. We appreciate your continued leadership!

Life Saving Recognition

PFC Cooper Upson was presented with a live saving award by Chief Arnold. Over the summer, PFC Upson responded to a call involving an unresponsive person who was experiencing an overdose. PFC Upson arrived quickly and administered Narcan to the person. After receiving Narcan, the person regained consciousnesses and was able to be taken for further treatment.

Look who has joined us!

 

Officer Richard Rebbert and Officer Brayden Knudsen were sworn into the agency by Chief Arnold today. Officer Rebbert holds a master’s degree in Criminology from George Mason University and Officer Knudsen holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of Iowa. Please welcome our new officers to our community.

Open Carry with Training Act

On Sunday August 15th the Open Carry with Training Act goes into effect. Here are some things we want the public to know:

-South Carolina joins 45 other states which allow open carry of a firearm.

-People with current concealed weapons permits will legally be able to open carry their firearms in public.

-Current restrictions on where the firearms can and cannot be carried will still apply including posted “NO CONCEALABLE FIREARMS” signs.

-If you wish to open carry, you must have a current concealed weapons permit and the firearm needs to be less than 12 inches in length along its greatest dimension.

-The same number of individuals who were able to legally carry a firearm concealed before August 15th will now be able to carry a firearm openly. These are the same firearms that were already legally being carried except now they will be visible.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department will continue to protect the safety of our community and the constitutional rights of all.

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess124_2021-2022/bills/3094.htm

Life Saving Recognitions

PFC J. Alexander was recognized with the Lifesaving Award for his actions after a traffic crash in May. A vehicle ran off the road, through a metal barrier, and crashed into the marsh. PFC Alexander climbed down to the vehicle to find that the driver was unconscious, unresponsive, and appeared to be experiencing an overdose. PFC Alexander administered Narcan which allowed the driver to regain consciousness before being transported to the hospital. Congratulations and job well done!

PFC Jacksa was recognized with the Lifesaving Award for his actions in June. PFC Jacksa was the first officer on scene after first responders were sent to a call for an overdose. PFC Jacksa was able to quickly asses the situation and administer Narcan. The patient responded to the Narcan, regained consciousness, and was treated by EMS. Congratulations and job well done!

Promotions

FTO Mark Eiseman was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and PFC Desmond Baxter was promoted to the rank of Field Training Officer by Chief Arnold this afternoon. We look forward to their leadership and knowledge out in our community. Congratulations!

Officer and Civilian of the Quarter

FTO Richards was selected as Officer of the Quarter and Crime Analyst Chris Davis was selected as Civilian of the Quarter. 

FTO Richards was recognized as Officer of the Quarter for quarter two. Throughout the quarter, FTO Richards has performed at a high level and taken on additional responsibilities in addition to his role as a training officer. Just to highlight a few things this quarter, FTO Richards located an armed robbery suspect, made an arrest in a burglary case and saved someone’s life who was having a crisis on the Ravenel Bridge.

Crime Analyst Chris Davis was recognized as our Civilian of the Quarter for quarter two. Throughout the quarter, Chris has gone above and beyond his role working in our investigations office. Not only does Chris analyze crime information from our agency, he receives and shares information with other law enforcement agencies. Chris also briefs patrol teams, command staff, and assists in crime prevention efforts when the department pushes out crime prevention information to our citizens. Although our civilians work, “behind the scenes”, they are essential to our success and to our community.

Press Release - Suspicious Item - July 10, 2021

Mount Pleasant S.C. - Officers responded to a call for a suspicious item underneath the Ravenel Bridge around 1120 am. As a precaution the Ravenel Bridge was closed in both directions and the Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park was evacuated and closed. The Charleston Police Dept. Bomb Squad investigated the item and deemed it safe. The Ravenel Bridge opened back up around 1:56 pm and the Waterfront Park opened back up around 2:33 pm. We appreciate the public avoiding area and the partnership of all the agencies that came together to assist. These agencies were the Mount Pleasant Fire Department, Charleston Police and Fire Departments, and Charleston County EMS, Rescue, and Consolidated Dispatch Center. The Mount Pleasant Police Department has the item secured and is continuing to investigate this incident

 

The Town of Mount Pleasant Police and Fire Departments will be hosting a First Responder Recruitment Day in August. The event will feature a welcome from Police Chief Arnold and Fire Chief Mixon, an explanation of the benefits the Town of Mount Pleasant has to offer, and members of each department will talk about starting a career in public safety. 

 

The event will be held on August 2nd, 2021, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the Mount Pleasant Town Hall located at 100 Ann Edwards Lane. No registration is required.  

Weekly Collision Stats

 Please drive safely! 

Arrests at Walmart in Oakland Market Shopping Center

Two suspects were arrested after a shoplifting call on Sunday, June 27th at Walmart located in the Oakland Market Shopping Center. At approximately 10:32 p.m., officers responded to the area after receiving a call involving a shoplifting incident where a gun was presented. Loss prevention staff attempted to stop two people for shoplifting before a gun was presented and the suspects left the store. Officers arrived quickly and FTO Francis detained one of the suspects.  K9 Sergeant Myers and his partner Harley responded and located the second suspect. K9 Officer Cardenas and his partner Lobo responded as well and located the gun that was presented. The gun used in the crime turned out to be a BB gun. Marlin Coffy of North Charleston and Michael Coffy of North Charleston were both charged with armed robbery. No one was injured during the incident.

Wando High School Graduation

Congratulations to the graduating class of Wando High School. We are proud of your accomplishments and hope you have a safe summer! There will be three graduation ceremonies this weekend at the District 2 Stadium at 1010 Warrior Way.

Friday June 18 at 6 pm

Saturday June 19 at 9 am

Saturday June 19 at 6 pm

 

Senior Sergeant Matt Salata Recognized for 25 Years of Law Enforcement Service

 

Senior Sergeant Salata began his career as a police officer at the Town of Mount Pleasant in 1996. Since then, he has served in many roles including working as a supervisor in Narcotics, Criminal Investigations, Patrol, Training, and currently as the School Resource Officer Supervisor. Salata has also served as a training officer and an instructor in firearms, defensive tactics, and Taser. His experience with the Town also includes SWAT and the swift water rescue team. Salata travelled with a team of officers to Biloxi, Mississippi after hurricane Katrina to assist in hurricane relief efforts. Along with his numerous instructorships and certifications Senior Sergeant Salata has been recognized by the police department as rookie officer of the year (1997), corporal of year (2001, 2002, 2004, 2006), and supervisor of the year in 2010. He has been an important part of the police department’s success and we appreciate his service and commitment to the Town of Mount Pleasant.

Weekly Collison Stats

Vehicle collisions were up last week. Top roadway was Coleman Blvd., top day was Friday, and top time was 3-6 pm. Drive safely!

Traffic Diversion

 

June 13, 2021

At 1:30 p.m. today, the Mount Pleasant Police Department Traffic Bureau will be mapping a collision scene on Hwy 17 just north of Six Mile Road. Officers will have the following diversions in place around the scene which should take about an hour to complete:

• Northbound traffic on Highway 17 will be diverted onto Six Mile Rd. 
• Traffic coming off of Longpoint Rd. onto Highway 17 will be diverted southbound towards the Isle of Palms Connector.
• Traffic coming off of Hamlin Rd. onto Highway 17 will be diverted northbound. 

Officers will be stationed around these areas to assist motorists if needed.

Weekly Collison Stats

Collisions were down a few from last week. The most common time for a crash was Thursday in between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Drive safely!

New Podcast Out

In this episode, Inspector Calabrese talks with Sergeant Postell and Officer Mayer with the traffic safety team. Statistically there are more traffic fatalities during the summer and we are working to prevent those tragedies during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. We also discuss Buckle up South Carolina, Golf Cart Laws, and the Alive at 25 program.  

PODCAST // https://anchor.fm/mppdpodcast/episodes/100-Deadliest-Days-of-Summer-e11p61a

Buckle up SC // https://scdps.sc.gov/buckleupsc

SC DMV - Golf Carts // http://www.scdmvonline.com/Vehicle-Owners/Types-Of-Vehicles/Golf-Cart

SC Code of Laws - Golf Carts 56-2-105 // https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t56c002.php

Alive at 25 // https://scnsc.org/ddc/aliveat25 

Weekly Collision Numbers

Here are the weekly collision numbers and violations from last week. Monday in between 12 and 3 pm was the most common collision time. Drive safely!

Press Release - Labor Camp Road Homicide

Mount Pleasant, S.C. - On May 6, 2021, at approximately 4:36 p.m., the Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to the 1700 block of Labor Camp Road to check the welfare of a resident and subsequently located a deceased person. It was discovered that Demetrius “MeMe” Woodard was the victim of a homicide. The Mount Pleasant Police Department is offering a $10,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Mr. Woodard’s death. Please contact the Mount Pleasant Police Department at 843-884-4176 or Detective Schnackenberg directly at 843-856-7843 or DSchnackenberg@tompsc.com.

Traffic Collisions May 16 - May 22

 Collison stats from last week. The most common day for a crash was Tuesday. Please drive safely.

Officer and Civilian Recognitions

Captain Carter presented Sergeant Raley with the silver pin from MADD South Carolina in recognition for his enforcement in the area of Driving Under the Influence violations last year in 2020. We appreciate Sergeant Raley's commitment to keeping our roadways safe.

Payten Reever, Karina Schulze, and Christy Clanton were recognized as Civilians of the Quarter. Although they often work "behind the scenes" these civilians are a large part of our success. This past quarter they were part of a core team that worked to convert data, design workflows, and ensure that the transition to a new records management system was smooth. This new system will allow the department to be more effective in record keeping which will allow us to better serve our citizens.

PFC Chandler was selected as Officer of the Quarter. We appreciate his dedication and commitment to our community!

Congratulations to all!

MPPD Podcast

The latest podcast is out for Mental Health Awareness Month. Give it a listen and share!

Here is the link from Anchor:

https://anchor.fm/mppdpodcast/episodes/Mental-Health-Awareness-evpehf

Peace Officer Memorial Day

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. The Mount Pleasant Police Department remembers Officer Vaughn Kee who was killed in the line of duty on December 13, 1985. 

https://nleomf.org/programs-events/national-police-week

National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many organizations dedicated to honoring America’s law enforcement community. The principal organizers of National Police Week include:

• National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), which produces the annual Candlelight Vigil.
  Phone: 202.737.3400 | vigil@nleomf.org

• Fraternal Order of Police/Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary (FOP/FOPA), which organize the Peace Officers Memorial Day Service at the U.S. Capitol.
  www.policeweek.org

• Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), which holds the National Police Survivors’ Conference.
  Phone: (573) 346-4911 | cops@nationalcops.org

Mount Pleasant Police Department Promotions

 

A new leadership team was promoted on May 6th in preparation for Chief Ritchie's Retirement on May 7th after his 33 years of law enforcement service. Please welcome newly promoted Chief Mark Arnold, Deputy Chief Tyrone Simmons, Captain Chip Googe, Lieutenant Adam Willis, Sergeant Jermaine Gilliard, Sergeant Stephen Kudron, Field Training Officer Parker, and Field Training Officer Bayles. We look forward to their leadership.