Letter to the Editor - August 17, 2017
It is hard to believe that the summer is almost over and school is back in session beginning this week. While kids may groan, many parents are excited—that much I am sure. For those who live in the Clements Ferry and Daniel Island communities, there is even more to be excited about—a new high school!
Philip Simmons High School (PSHS) will have Cpl. Mike Patterson as the assigned School Resource Officer. Cpl. Patterson brings nearly three decades of law enforcement to Philip Simmons, many of which he served as a SRO at Hanahan High School. Cpl. Patterson has a great way of working with youth and will be an excellent resource for the students at PSHS. Cpl. Henry Richardson will continue to be assigned to Philip Simmons Middle and Elementary Schools.
School back in session means children walking to the bus stop, school buses and extra traffic. With the ongoing construction on Clements Ferry Rd., planning and patience is key. Plan to get up on time, for delays in traffic and to stop for school busses. We continue to have deputy sheriffs out on Clements Ferry Road helping with traffic but it will take your assistance to help make sure that the traffic flows smoothly.
Too often, people get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life to remember to be courteous to others in traffic. If you see someone trying to merge, let them in as they signal. A wave of thanks is always appreciated and it just makes for a nicer day. Life is too short to get upset in traffic and with school starting back up, we need to remember that courtesy in traffic is part of the Lowcountry charm.
Lastly, please remember to keep valuables out of plain view and to lock your parked car. Thefts from unlocked vehicles continue to be one of the more persistent crimes that we experience in Berkeley County. Locking your vehicle and keeping valuables hidden are essential in helping prevent you from being victimized.
Serving the Cainhoy, Clements Ferry and Daniel Island areas on the Sheriff’s Community Action Team are Cpl. Cephus Rogers and Cpl. Jason Nusbaumer. They are there to work with your communities on any issues that may arise. As your Sheriff, thank you for your support and our continued partnership. If I can be of assistance, please let me know.
SHERIFF DUANE LEWIS
Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office