News Summary
Officer PFC Saquan LaFontaine of the Myrtle Beach Police Department has been awarded the Joe McGarry Memorial Police Officer of the Year for his exceptional service. Recognized by the Rotary Club for his work in the Booker T. Washington neighborhood, LaFontaine’s efforts in community engagement and park revitalization underscore his commitment to improving local lives. Honored by the South Carolina State House, he inspires youth through mentorship and aims to create safe recreational spaces. LaFontaine’s personal journey fuels his passion for service, making a significant impact in Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Beach, SC – Officer PFC Saquan LaFontaine of the Myrtle Beach Police Department has been recognized as the 2024 Joe McGarry Memorial Police Officer of the Year. The award, which celebrates exemplary service in law enforcement, was presented to LaFontaine by the Rotary Club of Myrtle Beach, highlighting his dedication to the community and his impactful efforts to foster positive relationships within the neighborhoods he serves.
LaFontaine works as a neighborhood officer in the Booker T. Washington neighborhood, where he plays a crucial role in improving community involvement and enhancing local parks. His collaboration with the City of Myrtle Beach Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism Department has notably focused on the revitalization of Bathsheba Bowens Park and Futrell Park. Through these initiatives, LaFontaine aims to create safe and enjoyable recreational spaces for residents and families.
In recognition of his commitment to community service, the South Carolina State House also honored LaFontaine for his efforts. He is known for maintaining strong relationships with school resource officers and routinely visiting local organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club. At these locations, LaFontaine engages with children, often inspiring them to rise above challenging circumstances and reinforcing the message that their current situations do not define their futures.
LaFontaine’s personal journey adds depth to his mission. He was raised in Brooklyn, NY, by his mother after losing his father to gun violence. His life experiences fuel his passion for making a difference in the lives of young people in Myrtle Beach. Through direct interaction and mentorship, he strives to motivate children in the community, emphasizing resilience and self-belief.
During the award presentation, LaFontaine expressed his gratitude towards the Myrtle Beach Police Department and the city itself. He views his role as a police officer as a privilege, feeling blessed to wear the uniform and serve the community, a sentiment that strongly resonates with family-oriented values.
The Joe McGarry Memorial Police Officer of the Year Award is named in honor of Joe McGarry, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on December 29, 2002. The award continues to recognize officers who exemplify McGarry’s spirit of service and commitment to improving the lives of those they serve.
As LaFontaine continues his work in Myrtle Beach, he stands as a testament to the positive impact that dedicated law enforcement officers can have on their communities. His recognition not only celebrates his individual achievements but also highlights the broader commitment of the Myrtle Beach Police Department to engage with and uplift the diverse neighborhoods they serve.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Myrtle Beach Officer of the Year
- WMBF News: Grand Strand Police Chief Award
- My Horry News: Myrtle Beach Police Chief Honored
- WIS TV: Governor Recognizes Law Enforcement Officers
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News Article
- Wikipedia: Law Enforcement in the United States
- Google Search: Law Enforcement Community Service
- Google Scholar: Police Community Relations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Policing
- Google News: Law Enforcement Awards
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
