City of Henderson’s Response to COVID, Homicides Topics of Public Safety Meeting

“Overall, there was agreement among all attendees that the City and its leaders have taken a sincere approach to informing the citizens of Henderson about the seriousness of the Coronavirus. I have to say that Mayor Pro Tem Sara Coffey was adamant about ensuring every citizen was clear about the proper precautions. Mayor Eddie Ellington, Manager Terrell Blackmon and Lisa Harrison of Granville Vance Public Health were in agreement that a continued approach to informing and educating the citizens of Henderson, concerning COVID-19, would be a helpful supplement to all of the various information that has been made available through various channels, specifically WIZS and the various public Facebook pages maintained by GVPH, Henderson Rec and Parks Department, the Henderson Police Department and fire departments. The mayor pointed out the various COVID testing opportunities, public messages and public actions.”

Spriggs continued, “Concerning the homicides, Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow highlighted the HPDs continued work with local and state authorities. He specifically stated that in his 22-years of service with the City, he has not seen a greater period of collaboration among law enforcement at the local, state and federal levels. Chief Barrow did note that the majority of the unfortunate homicides were not connected to one another and that because of increased community assistance, those homicides have consistently yielded arrests.”

Fellow Henderson City Councilman William Burnette concurred with the meeting’s outcome:

“There was a very lengthy conversation about COVID. Lisa Harrison with the Health Department joined via Zoom. She gave updated information on Vance County. We did have a conversation with Chief Barrow about the measures the police were taking to deal with the homicides. The ones responsible have been arrested and are awaiting trial.”