by WHITLEY CLIFTON
photo credit BILL CAHILL, SFD PIO
The social hall of First Baptist Church Swainsboro served as the host spot for Emanuel County’s first annual Faith and Blue program this past weekend. The event that lasted about two hours began at approximately 10 a.m. Saturday, October 10, and was sponsored by First Baptist Church and Emanuel County Law Enforcement agencies.
Swainsboro Police Department’s Chief Randy Ellison opened the program by welcoming all individuals present as well as those who tuned in virtually by watching the streamed event on Emanuel County Live and gave a brief introduction for the day’s event. Swainsboro City Councilperson Julian Sconyers invited all to enjoy a freshly prepared lunch following the conclusion of the program, and Pastor Casey Shaw led the invocation.
Commander Jeff Cain with Georgia State Patrol Post 19 of Swainsboro then presented a slideshow presentation packed with statistics, live video footage, timeline changes in duties and responsibilities of law enforcement officers (LEOs), as well as provided inside knowledge pertaining to the training LEOs undergo to perform day-to-day duties and reasons as to why each tactic is instilled and required.
Chief Ellison then gave a verbal presentation regarding job performances of law enforcement and the importance of the field while stressing the importance of a much-needed collaborative effort between community members and officers to obtain and secure reconciliation and breaking associated biases between civilians and law enforcement agencies within the county.
Chief Ellison’s presentation was followed by words from Swainsboro City Councilperson Rita Faulkner, republican sheriff candidate Jeff Brewer, Twin City Police Chief Hank Whiters, Stillmore Police Chief Steve Mincey, and Adrian Police Department Chief Kyle Strickland.
Prior to the program’s closure of prayer led by Chief Ellison, public questions were entertained and answered according to state law.
To view footage from this event, visit The Forest-Blade’s Facebook page, Emanuel County Live, and don’t forget to drop a big “thank you” to local law enforcement officers for their dedicated services provided to our county.
