MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – The Myrtle Beach family and community honored Jacob Hancher with a 5k and a mile fun run on Saturday.

Hancher’s father, Jeff, spoke to WMBF News Saturday before the race started. It was his first interview since his son’s death.

“Jake has no voice. So it’s our job to keep his name out there,” he said.

The Grand Strand honored Hancher’s son for the second year with a race.

“We just passed Jake’s four year anniversary. It is important to the surviving family members that our officer is not forgotten and that is what I see. I just see love here,” Jeff said.

James he was killed in 2020 while responding to a domestic incident. He was only 23 years old.

His mother, Suzanne Williams, said efforts to honor Jacob’s legacy continue to grow.

“It warms my heart beyond expectation to see what this has grown into and all the community members that come in from time to time and all the community sponsors,” she said.

New this year, the Myrtle Beach Police Foundation launched a scholarship fund in Jacob’s name.

“We will do a hands-on for all first responders who are currently trying to return to school or their family members. We will also be doing 1 special for Myrtle Beach High School for Myrtle Beach students as well as someone trying to get into criminal justice,” said Daniel Eddy of the Myrtle Beach Police Foundation.

The hope is to begin awarding these scholarships in the fall of 2025.

Those who attended Saturday’s event got involved for a variety of reasons.

Some knew Jacob and worked with him.

Others said it was about supporting Jacob’s family.

Eliza and Olivia Ackerman came to support their swim coach, Jacob’s mom.

“I know it meant a lot to him and I really want to support her in this,” Eliza said.

“I know he’s going through a lot and I feel really bad. So I’m just here to support her,” Olivia added.

Regardless of why people come out, that unity and the spirit of Jacob’s legacy makes Jeff smile.

“I look at the crowd and see Jake’s name on all the shirts and from a father who lost his son. That’s the most important thing, you know, to make sure people don’t, remember, Jake,” Jeff said.

He and Suzanne hope the efforts continue to grow… So that their son can continue to make an impact.

“We hope it continues to grow because we love the community support and the way the community continues to grow it,” she said.

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