By Al Dozier
The Irmo Town Council heard a special presentation at the January 16 meeting honoring the town’s past police chiefs.
A framed picture showing headshots of all of the town’s past police chiefs was presented to the council by Brian Penna, a long-time local businessman who had close ties with the police department over the years. Penna has documented the history of the police department and decided to provide the large, framed picture of the former chiefs as an exhibit to be mounted inside the department’s offices.
See more photos of the presentation.
Some of the former chiefs attended the meeting, expressing fond memories of their service.
In public remarks to the council, former Chief Jerry Cameron, who retired from the office in 1984, described his service as “my brief shining moment.”
He said it was a very pleasant time to live in Irmo.
Other former chiefs also offered positive comments about the town during their service in years past.
During the presentation, the late Frank Leaphart, who served as chief from 1972 to 1980, was remembered as the first African American Police Chief in Irmo.
In other action at Tuesday’s meeting, the council continued approval of contracts for Irmo’s new Town Hall Project.
A $36,250 contract with Jumper Carter Sease Architects was approved for a conceptual design and feasibility study for the project.
The council also approved a $8,950 contract with Cox and Dinkins to provide site/civil design services for Phase 1 of the project.
The council also approved a contract with S&ME, Inc. for $8,700 for Geotechnical Exploration Services for the project.
In other action, the council approved a budget for the 2024 Okra Strut for $175,500.
The council received an update from festival Chairman Mike Ward on plans for the upcoming 50th anniversary of the event Sept. 27-28 at the Irmo Community Park. The event will include an upgraded performance stage for entertainers and a video wall on the site.
The council approved a $19,000 contract with the band “Cowboy Mouth” as the main act for the festival’s Friday night performance.
In other action, the council approved a contract with Sharpvue, a video surveillance service, in an amount not to exceed $55,000 for the town’s camera project, which will provide law enforcement with photographs in some traffic areas to increase safety measures.
The council also approved resolutions that update the town’s safety and personnel policies.
Craft and Draft was recognized as Irmo’s January 2024 Small Business of the Month.
The council also recognized the Dutch Fork High School Football team’s outstanding season with a proclamation. Dutch Fork won the State 5A Championship in December. It’s the eighth championship the school has won.
The School Showcase agenda featured a presentation by Dutch Fork Elementary School Academy of Environmental Sciences Principal Rebecca Dilley on the successful programs now underway.
“We are rocking and rolling,” she said.
New in-town businesses recognized were: Becky Davis Cleaning, and Davis Audio, 413 Zanark Drive.
