Merlin Bellamy, former Chief of Police and Public Safety Director for the City of North Myrtle Beach passed away on Wednesday, according to city spokesman Pat Dowling.

Bellamy was hired as Chief of Police of the Town of Ocean Drive Beach as their chief in 1949, when the towns of Ocean Drive Beach, Crescent Beach, Cherry Grove Beach and Windy Hill Beach merged to become the City of North Myrtle Beach in 1968, he was hired as the city's first Chief.

He served in that position through 1977, and in 1978 was promoted to the new position of Director of Public Safety and served in that position until 1980. He served in a variety of city positions from then until his retirement in 1990.

Bellamy became known nationally in 1954 when Hurricane Hazel hit the Grand Strand.

According to Pat Dowling, "As a result of his experience with Hurricane Hazel, Merlin Bellamy developed the first Hurricane Preparedness Plan for Ocean Drive Beach and it was adopted by many other beach towns. His experience in hurricane and disaster planning, and crisis management, became even more sophisticated and effective during his years with the City of North Myrtle Beach."

The Bellamy family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 22 at Lee Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 23 at Lords Way Baptist Church. Merlin will be laid to rest at Southern Palms Memorial Gardens. The North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Honor Guard will participate in his funeral, and Police Officers will serve as pall bearers, according to the city.