Richmond Police Department Volume 14, Issue 25 June 22, 2018 Deputy Chief Drew Departs Chief Alfred Durham presented two framed letters to D.C. Steve Drew, one from Chief Durham and one from Mayor Levar M. Stoney, expressing gratitude for D.C. Drew s service. Deputy Chief Steve Drew used a moment before Thursday s FOCUS to reflect on his RPD career as he prepares to leave the Department to become the Newport News police chief. His investiture ceremony is 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 28 at the Downing Gross Cultural Arts Center, 2410 Wickham Avenue, Newport News.
Brenda West is a Step Above Congratulations to Systems Operations Analyst II Brenda West who was named as the latest A Step Above award winner! Brenda West won the distinction for her work in assisting with the webbased court database for department members to more efficiently have their selected court dates used by the General District Courts. The clerks of the court have access to this database, which allows the clerks to use the officers preferred court dates, all in an effort to help reduce court conflicts with Department members. Brenda West connected the Department, the courts and VCU with this system - and is currently working with the Virginia State Police to allow them access to the database, as well. Great work and congratulations! A Father s Thanks The Major Crimes team received a heartfelt letter last week from a father of a young man who had died tragically in Richmond earlier this month. The victim had fallen off a high ledge, struck the pavement and suffered injuries that would prove fatal and Major Crimes Detective Sergeant Michael Rogers was assigned the case. The father wrote, Sergeant Rogers came to my residence in Hanover County to inform me and my wife of the news. I just wanted to say that Sergeant Rogers was very professional and compassionate during this difficult time. Sergeant Rogers drove my wife and I to the hospital, drove me to my son s apartment located in Shockoe Bottom to get his puppy and then brought me back home. Sergeant Rogers stayed in touch with me the entire time we have been dealing with this sudden tragedy. Sergeant Rogers also met my wife and I at the accident site and fully explained to us what had happened. Sergeant Rogers did so much more for us and I am sure he went above and beyond to assist my family and myself. I just wanted to share my appreciation my wife and I have for the professionalism that Sergeant Rogers showed us during this unthinkable and unexpected tragedy. June 22, 2018 Blue Line Times Page 2
Welcome Aboard, 118 th! It was time to meet and greet the 24 members of the 118 th Basic Recruit Class and their families Wednesday evening as the Department s Command Staff and officer-mentors welcomed the newest recruits. June 22, 2018 Blue Line Times Page 3
Warm Gesture of Iced Cream The last day of the school year is already pretty exciting to young students but this week the students at Swansboro Elementary School were thrilled by a visit by three officers who brought with them ice cream for the kids! Second Precinct Officers Doug Gutierrrez, Oscar Reyes and Timothy Wade scooped out the ice cream, topped it with mounds of whipped cream, nuts and other sweets to make the final day of school truly special. Special thanks to Officer Wade who not only came up with the concept but also provided all the treats! Pride Month Training June, Pride Month, is a perfect time to discuss the strengths and struggles of diversity in society and in policing. Sector 212 Lieutenant Kimberly Mooney provided training to regional agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding issues and concerns of the LBGTQIA communities and best practices for police engagement. She was joined by the Chesterfield LGBTQ Liaison Officer Anderson. June 22, 2018 Blue Line Times Page 4
CBS6 Interviews Returning/Emerging PAL Stars The mission of the Police Athletic League was in clear focus this week as CBS6 interviewed a former PAL participant, who is enjoying great success at the collegiate level, and a current student athlete who is presently benefitting from the PAL program. Tyler Wilkins (top with PAL Officer Perry Barber) is the son of RPD Sergeant Andy Wilkins. Tyler was a standout football player at L.C. Bird High School and is now a receiver for the Spiders at the University of Richmond. Joseph Johnson enjoys the PAL program and plays for the Albert Hill Middle School 49ers. Officer Barber believes his future is bright, as well, both academically and athletically. Both young men told CBS6 reporter Sean Robertson that they believe the PAL program is a major, positive feature in their lives and described how important PAL is to their development. You can see the entire story here: https://wtvr.com/2018/06/21/richmond-police-work-overtime-to-be-pals/ June 22, 2018 Blue Line Times Page 5
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