The Frank McClelland Memorial Golf Tournament was held Aug. 24, 2019 at the Cherokee Rose Country Club. The tournament honored the memory of the former City of Ludowici Police Chief, who died while protecting and serving the public, and also raised funds for the 200 Club of the Coastal Empire.

“They have done great things in our area,” Sheriff Craig Nobles said about the 200 Club. “They always show up immediately after we have a tragedy or a death of one of our first responders...and what they do for the community is really astounding.”

Two-Hundred Club President Mark Dana said the organization started in 2001 and has since responded to 26 line of duty deaths in the Coastal Empire area.

After a line of duty death, the Two Hundred Club provides the surviving spouse or family members significant and immediate financial assistance. The Two Hundred Club provides a fully paid college education to the surviving family members, including tuition, room and board, textbooks, and a computer. Every year thereafter, the Two Hundred Club gives financial assistance for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and red roses on Mother’s Day.

The 200 Club also provides a onetime financial contribution to the first responder and their family, after a line of duty critical injury and terminal illnesses.

“Since we’ve started we’ve provided over 3 million to the families that we’ve served,” Dana said. “And I want you to know that 100 percent of all the money we get goes to the families.”

Dana said McClelland put his life on the line on the most heroic way to protect the public.

Former Liberty County Chief Deputy Keith Moran said McClelland was off-duty when he heard the call of a high speed chase coming toward Ludowici on Sept. 15, 2018.

McClelland and Army master sergeant Marvin Pope were allegedy struck and killed by Daniel Michael Toronto Hill while he attempted to evade police. McClelland was hit after he exited his patrol car to stop traffic.  Pope was killed seconds later. 

“He was sitting at the house, off-duty when he answered the call,” Moran said. “Everybody know how much he loved it (his job) and he got up and actually was going to protect the public…one traffic light letting a 1080 chase go through. God bless him, it was his time but he died doing what he loved to do.”

Moran said the 200 Club has helped several families from Liberty and Long County. He thanked Long County Deputy Danny Dinkins for organizing the event and Sheriff Nobles for donating the funds to the 200 Club.

“I would like to thank all of you for turning out,” McClelland’s widow Cindy McClelland added. “It’s such a great turnout to support this tournament in Frank’s name. And thank you for your support to the 200 Club. They have been wonderful to our family.”

Nobles thanked everyone who attended, competed, or supported the Frank McClelland Golf Tournament.

“The sponsors of this event were very generous, and we thank them for every contribution,” Nobles said. “Everyone had fun, and the golf was very competitive. The food was excellent, and most importantly, 100 percent of the proceeds will be used by the 200 Club of the Coastal Empire to support Public Safety Employees and their families when they need it most.”