HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — As Horry County students prepare to head back to school on Monday, the district is introducing a seasoned law enforcement and security expert to lead its comprehensive safety and security initiatives.
The hiring comes months after the district’s last school safety coordinator , David Beaty, was put on administrative leave following a vote of no confidence by the school board.
Michael Frederick, who has over 30 years of experience at the municipal, county, state, and federal levels — including time as a federal counterterrorism operative, brings a wealth of expertise to his new role as the head of safety and security for Horry County Schools.
Frederick spent 10 years as the chief of law enforcement for the South Carolina Public Service Authority and spent time as the Surfside Beach police chief.
“This job is right in line with my background and passion for public service and protecting the community,” he said.
Frederick will oversee the district’s comprehensive 450-page safety plan, which includes more than just weapon screenings and active shooter drills.