By Betsy Finklea
South Carolina and North Carolina law enforcement teamed up for their annual “Hands Across The Border” event in Dillon on Monday night.
This is the third consecutive year that the event has been held in Dillon.
This is the 20th anniversary of Hands Across the Border, which started in Georgia.
The event began with a meeting and meal at the City of Dillon Wellness Center.
Sheriff Major Hulon welcomed the officers who were participating including those from the Fourth Circuit Law Enforcement Network, Highway Patrol, and those from North Carolina.
Trooper Jo Nell of the South Carolina Highway Patrol said that Labor Day ended the 100 deadly days of summer. He said enforcement efforts such as these help stop reckless and dangerous drivers. He encourages the public to do their part by designating sober drivers and reporting impaired drivers.
Trooper Tim Plotts from North Carolina also spoke about the importance of these kinds of initiatives. He emphasized though that these efforts don’t end when Labor Day is over.
Greg Griggs, Law Enforcement Liaison, said they wanted to make the message clear that if one driver under the influence, they will go to jail and be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. After the program, a checkpoint was held at the North Carolina/South Carolina border.