FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2009
For More Information & Contacts Call:
Swan Lake Visitors Center/Swan Lake-Iris Gardens
(800) 688-4748 or (803) 436-2640
Email: tourism@sumter-sc.com
Web: www.sumtersc.gov
OFFICIAL NEWS RELEASE
Halloween 2009
The Sumter community experienced a horrific tragedy on last Halloween. We suffered a tragic loss that no community, nor parent or family should be forced to endure. On that evening we lost a precious and promising young life. The life of a precious twelve year old was taken violently without any rhyme or reason with his siblings and parents also suffering lifelong injuries. The memory of TJ Darrisaw will always be with us and especially at this time of year our heartfelt prayers are extended to his family, relatives, and friends.
Daphne and Freddie, the parents of TJ would like to share the following with the Sumter Community during this most difficult and emotional time after one year ago on Halloween while the family was together trick or treating their son TJ was murdered by Quentin Patrick. “We sincerely appreciate the unconditional support extended to our family and thank you for respecting our privacy as we brace ourselves for the unexpected emotions as we relive this tragedy. We believe that you keep the holiday alive for the children, as long as they want it that way. But times have truly changed and we must be careful for the safety and welfare of all our children. We are still grieving and we must find a way to heal.” (Quentin Patrick is awaiting trial on TJ’s Murder. Patrick in fact was indicted by ATF for the charge of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition to which he plead Guilty on August 18th. Sentencing is scheduled for November with a possible sentence of 15 to life.
On behalf of the men and women of the Sumter Police Department, respectfully, we are asking you to honor TJ’s memory by assisting us this year and in the future to focus on some practices that we sincerely hope will ensure a safe and secure Halloween. Halloween is a traditional celebration of ghost, goblins, and treats for our children as they promote an array of costumes and venture door to door in their respective communities across the country. Typically youth ranging in ages up to 12 engage in fun activities that are trouble free and safe each Halloween. Therefore, this Halloween, the Sumter Police Department will once again join the City of Sumter, merchants, and families in a host of festivities on Main Street from 5:30 – 8 PM. Police officers will distribute treats of candy from the trunk of a police cruiser and we will increase our manpower on patrol in the community.
As Halloween approaches we have joined an alliance with a group of concerned parents to assist as a distribution point for Halloween Signs individuals may place in their yards advertising that their residence is participating in Halloween. The signs state: “Trick or Treaters Welcome Here” . After the Halloween tragedy last year, I was contacted by a group of parents regarding this initiative as the political season ended and signs were being collected in compliance with the ordinances. The group of parents contacted candidates and requested permission to gather up their signs for this specific purpose in an effort to promote a safe environment for children trick or treating. The parents received authorization and overwhelming support thus, the signs were collected and dropped off at the police department for temporary staging until they could be gathered for recycling for utilization of Halloween this year. The Sumter Police Department located at 107 E Hampton Avenue, 436-2700, is a pick up point for approximately 250 signs available on a first come, first serve basis. The hope is that all the signs will be distributed. Individuals may also acquire an electronic template for printing their own personal signs by emailing the following personnel and providing an email address for the template to be forwarded: B. Hite, Crime Prevention Specialist, bhite@sumter-sc.com or Corporal J. Duggan, jduggan@sumter-sc.com or R. Fowler, Victims Advocate, rfowler@sumter-sc.com. Persons obtaining the signs are asked to display them only on the day of Halloween. The signs do not need to be returned but may be kept for future use.
Another initiative the Sumter City Police Department is embarking on this Halloween is prevention and safety tips to raise awareness of safe Halloween practices. Through a partnership with a local merchant the police department will distribute Halloween Safety Tips along with activity handouts. Throughout this week and next week leading up to Halloween the Sumter City Police Department will be visiting with the various city schools, churches, daycares, and community partners in an effort to distribute handouts on Halloween Safety Tips and provide prevention methods for our children’s safety.
WHAT: Halloween Trick or Treating, Saturday, October 31st
WHEN should one trick or treat: Between the hours of 5 PM – 9 PM
WHO should trick or treat: Children up to age 12 with parents, guardians, or responsible adults. Children should not trick or treat alone without a responsible adult. *Parents, if you cannot personally take your children trick or treating, see if another parent or adult sibling can accompany them, do not send them out alone.
WHERE should one trick or treat: Sponsored events such as City of Sumter Halloween on Main Street, Churches, Schools, Sumter Mall, and Festivals, neighbors, family and friends.
The following are some safety tips for trick or treating that should be taken into consideration as your child enjoys their great Halloween adventure. Your child’s safety is paramount to a successful Halloween.
Costumes:
Children’s costume should be fire-proof (flame retardant)
Costumes should fit properly to avoid tripping or entanglement.
Dress your child for inclement weather accordingly.
Costume and Mask eye holes should be large enough for good peripheral vision and should not obscure vision.
Reflective tape should be placed on costumes or clothing for greater visibility by others.
Children should carry a flash light or glow stick.
Do not carry objects that could cause injury (costume props of metal or glass or sharp objects), use plastic and flexible props only.
Trick or Treat Locations:
Go only to familiar locations or attend sponsored sanctioned events of churches, business, schools, or public festivals.
Make sure you only go where there is a porch light on and the house interior lights are on.
Do not cut through alley ways, backyards, woods or fields.
Stay in populated areas and well lighted areas.
Only visit familiar neighbors, friends, or neighborhoods when trick or treating door to door.
Always be aware of your surroundings, be attentive and look ahead to ensure safety.
Look for the concerned parents signs “Trick or Treaters Welcome Here”.
Parents – take extra precautions to ensure your child enjoys the evening and is safe:
Parents accompany children to the door; do not send them to the door alone.
Parents do not let them go inside any residence and do not let them wonder off ahead of you, stay with the adult or group.
Instruct your children not to eat any candy or treats until their goodies have been inspected by you at home.
Instruct your children not to go with any stranger.
Instruct your children to shout for help if someone refuses to leave them alone.
Instruct your children to tell you immediately if someone’s actions make them feel uncomfortable.
Instruct your children to tell you immediately if someone threatens them.
Instruct your children not to go inside any rooms nor should they get in the car with anyone.
Instruct your children not to take anything from individuals they do not know or trust.
Please call 911, if you believe you are in danger or have an emergency.
Streets and Roadways:
Be careful on the roadway and when crossing the streets.
Walk on sidewalks when available and not in the street.
Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic if no sidewalks are available.
Watch out for cars and motorist.
Be careful around cars and residence – watch where you are going and avoid horseplay.
Be respectful of others property, do not damage or engage in malicious mischief - this could result in personal injury, property damage, and prosecution.
Motorist:
The National Safety Council urges motorist to be especially alert on Halloween.
Motorist should reduce their speeds, drive with headlights on and use your flashers, watch for pedestrians walking on the side of the road, in medians, and coming off the curbs.
Motorist should watch out for children in dark clothing always expecting the unexpected as our children enjoy the festivities of the traditional trick or treating.
Respectfully,
Patty Jaye Garrett Patterson
Chief of Police
Sumter City
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