MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — When Pastor Tory Liferidge looked out at the crowd gathered for a prayer walk and community engagement event in Moncks Corner, he saw more than just a church gathering.
He saw a community coming together with the people who serve and protect it.
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“How powerful is it that we’re not just doing this as a church but with our local police and fire department,” said Liferidge, pastor of Grace Reformed Episcopal Church, which organized the event.
The gathering brought together residents, families and local leaders alongside members of the Moncks Corner Police Department and Moncks Corner Fire Department for a morning prayer walk followed by community fellowship.
Liferidge said the goal was simple: strengthen relationships between first responders and the community they serve.
“When you think about our first responders and how they serve the best interest of our community, it’s good for the community to know them and for them to know our community so that we can always work together for the betterment of this special place that we call home,” he said.
He added that building strong relationships between residents and local public safety officials benefits everyone.
“The more work that we can do to build that healthy bond, that healthy relationship and understanding from both sides so that we can always work together — that’s the main goal of this being together,” Liferidge said. “The more that we can help them, the more that they can help us.”
Organizers hope to make the event a recurring one.
“We foresee doing this as often as we can, so we’re making that constant connection with the community,” he said.
Town leaders emphasize community connection
Moncks Corner Mayor Thomas Hamilton said the event reflects the town’s broader philosophy about public service.
“I think it says a lot about our whole town philosophy. We’re about serving the community,” Hamilton said. “If you are a public servant, that’s what that means — public servant. And you need to be out with the people.”
Hamilton said events like the prayer walk are especially meaningful for younger residents who may not otherwise interact with first responders outside emergency situations.
“What I love about this event is that a lot of kids will come out and they’ll get to hang around the police department, the fire department,” he said. “Especially with the police department, you want kids to trust the police. You want them to be comfortable where if they have a problem or issue they can go to them and say, ‘I need help.’”
The event also included food and fellowship, with burgers and hot dogs served to attendees.
“They’re going to be out here cooking some burgers, cooking some hot dogs, giving back to the community,” Hamilton said. “I just think it’s so important that we’re out so people can see us, talk to us and for us to be around each other.”
New chiefs focused on engagement
Both of Moncks Corner’s public safety leaders are relatively new to their roles and said community outreach is a priority.
Antwan Richardson, who became the town’s police chief in January, said building trust starts with getting out and meeting residents.
“One thing about me is that I’m a very community-oriented person,” Richardson said. “I think it’s important for us to get into the community so the citizens can know who we are as a department — not just somebody who when something happens we respond.”
Richardson brings more than 15 years of law enforcement experience to the role, with a background that includes corrections, patrol, investigations, K-9 operations and serving as a school resource officer.
Similarly, James Jackson said community involvement is essential for the fire department.
“If you’re not involved in the community, they only see you when there’s an emergency,” Jackson said. “My biggest thing is we’ve got to be involved in the community so our community partners know that the fire department is always here.”
Jackson, who became Moncks Corner’s fire chief in September 2025, brings 25 years of fire service experience and previously served as fire chief in Chester.
“The people here are just so nice,” Jackson said. “They have welcomed me and my family, and we’re just excited to be here.”
For Liferidge, the event is ultimately about unity.
“When our community and our first responders are able to come together like this,” he said, “it helps us all work toward something better.”
