On April 9, at UWHC Moon and Stars Event, Conway Police Chief Dale Long made a surprise recognition to Crisis Intervention Community Resource Coordinator, Shane Merrill. Shane has been with UWHC since September 2024 and in his role is responsible for assisting low or no-income individuals and households that are most vulnerable including the homeless and those on the verge of homelessness.
Here is a statement from Chief Dale Long on why they chose to recognize Shane with this newly created award.
“The Conway Police Department began a relationship over a year ago with Faith Connection. One of the members was Shane Merrill, who quickly became a valued resource for CPD as we served the needs of our communities for traumatic incidents, encampment displacements and relocations, and assisting a variety of individuals who were unaware of resources they could access. Shane Merrill later joined the United Way and quickly introduced the Conway Police Department to even more resources he now worked with through the THRIVE Program. There are several instances of our collaboration, but one worth mentioning occurred earlier in 2025 when our county had rare ice and snow events. A call was placed to Shane Merrill, and the resulting action resulted in a facility being located for housing out of the dangerous elements, meals provided, transportation needs met for medical needs and care, and a population in need of resources found their needs met.
Chief of Police Dale Long and the team at the Conway Police Department took note and recognized the role Shane Merrill played in helping our community. On April 9, 2025, Chief Long recognized Shane Merrill as the first recipient of the “Chief’s Award for Excellence”. Shane Merrill truly embodies our motto of Committed, Professional, and Dedicated. Our ongoing partnership will only serve to make Conway a better place to work, play, and live.”
Shane is one of three full time Community Resource Coordinators with UWHC’s THRIVE Program Team. To learn more about Shane’s work and the work of the THRIVE program visit, https://unitedwayhorry.org/thrive/.
