To The Editor:
I would like to thank the people of Dillon County for there most generous hospitality and appreciation shown to myself and the numerous first responders from Dillon, Latta, and Lake View who had attended the First Responder memorial on September 11, 2011 at the Wellness center.
Ironically I had been contacted to attend this memorial by James Leslie from Dillon who is currently deployed as a first responder with the Army Reserve in the Catskill Mountain area of New York State, aiding the people of that region from catastrophic flooding.
My wife Felicia, and myself met Chaplin Haywood Proctor and his wife Caryn at the Myrtle Beach Airport. The Proctors who we had just met treated us like family from that point forward.
After a brief tour of Dillon we had attended, and paid respects to the family of Deputy Sheriff Larry Eugene Cook at Kannaday Funeral Home. At this point I felt the comradely of the Dillon County Sheriff’s office and community.
On Sunday morning September 11, 2011 I had spoken to the congregation of Kemper Baptist Church, for me this had been very personal and emotional. The people of Kemper kept my spirits up with smiles, hugs, and handshakes. This was truly Christian Southern hospitality which I will never forget.
That afternoon Felicia and I joined Sheriff Major Hulon and his wife Cynthia as there guests to lead the parade from the Piggly Wiggly via 301 to the Wellness Center.
Upon entering the Wellness Center I had been overwhelmed by all that Southern hospitality once again. I was very impressed with the Dillon County Sheriff’s Honor guard, along with the community choir, and guest speakers, along with the community turnout. I would also like to thank Sheriff Major Hulon for presenting me with an honorary Dillon County Sheriff’s badge.
I could not believe all the people from all generations who had waited afterwards to give a hug, and share stories. This has been an event I will always cherish.
I would also like to thank Judge James E, Lockemy for the personal tour and the history lesson of the Dillon County Courthouse, along with the ride back to Myrtle Beach.
Thank you,
John & Felicia Cavalcante
New York