Also, local deputies are back home after helping officers in Gaffney.
Sheriff Lee Foster says he spoke with fellow Cherokee County Sheriff Bill Blanton Friday afternoon and it was Foster’s desire to help with the investigation into the serial killer that had “polarized the entire area.”
“I have the upmost respect for Sheriff Blanton,” said Foster. “But, the killer’s victims also had many ties to our community. We wanted to not only stand with our fellow law enforcement officer, but to assure to families and friends of the victims relative’s here that we were doing everything possible to help locate this dangerous and brutal murderer.”
One victim has a sister, niece and other family members living in the county, while her daughter’s husband was a volunteer coach last year for the Newberry College football team.
Foster said that while the assistance requested was unusual, but not surprising. Cherokee County has year round school and the schools like the community were afraid as anyone would be in the same situation. Foster said Blanton wanted Newberry County to send school resource officers to patrol the schools so that his school resource officers could assist with the investigation.
The school resource officer program in Newberry County is recognized as one of the best in the state and nation, said Foster.
He also pointed out that the relationship between the School District of Newberry County and the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office has been nationally recognized for their joint planning and training so he was proud and pleased to send the officers.
Foster said that when the call was made to Bennie Bennett, Superintendent of the School District of Newberry County, his response to the request was direct and complete.
"Send them," was Bennett’s reply. "We are delighted to be able to assist another school district in a clear time of need. I think this request speaks well of our program, our officers, and what the School District of Newberry County and the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office have been able to accomplish together."
Sheriff’s officers Lt. Wesley Palmore, Frankie Wilbanks and Detrick Bishop reported to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
Foster and Major Danny Gilliam also traveled with the officers and spent Sunday afternoon meeting with Blanton and his staff to discuss their emergency plans for the schools and the roles the officers were expected to play during the investigation.
The officers worked closely with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the other officers including up to and attending the press conference on Monday night.
The officers stayed through yesterday morning and once given the all clear by Blanton, returned home safely.
"We are proud of these officers and their willingness to go on this difficult assignment," said Foster.
"They all stepped up and readily agreed to go. I am proud to say that this attitude epitomizes the attitude of many of the officers of the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and what makes us so effective in our community."
At the time of the request, all Newberry County Schools were closed and these officers involved in mandatory training, reviewing campus safety and preparedness, and special assignments.
"There was no lack of coverage in Newberry County during their absence and Cherokee County paid all of the officer’s housing and meal expenses," said Foster.
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