Faith and Blue weekend helps to build bridges beween police and community

The Grand Rapids Police Department and neighborhood groups took part in a National Faith and Blue Weekend on Oct. 10. Volunteers from GRPD, Walker Police Department, the U.S. Department of Justice, and local organizations took part in the event in the West Grand neighborhood. Police officers, members of the West Grand community, and local business leaders  helped clean up Indian Mill Creek. The volunteers were then treated to a lunch at Long Road Distillers on Leonard Street, sponsored by the West Grand Neighborhood Organization.

U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge and Project Safe Neighborhoods Coordinator Erin Lane welcomed attendees, including those from his office.

Walker Police Department Chaplain Tom Bradley said a prayer before lunch and talked about the importance of strong community and police relationships. He told the volunteers that “faith people and law enforcement have more in common than I ever thought. In our own ways, we both strive to make our community a better place for everyone that lives here.”

GRPD Deputy Chief Scott Rifenberg addressed the crowd, acknowledging law enforcement is “a calling” to protect and serve. He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to volunteer alongside members of the community.

Steepletown Neighborhood Services, the West Grand Neighborhood Organization, the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds, and the Grand Rapids Police Department sponsored the event.



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