City OKs resolution supporting police

SILOAM SPRINGS — The city board unanimously passed a resolution supporting police officers and law enforcement professionals in the city during the board meeting July 7. The resolution says the city supports officers who act ethically and with integrity; recognizes the need for law enforcement officers to have the equipment, training and resources necessary in order to protect the health and safety of the officers and acknowledges police officers who dying while on duty should be remembered and honored, according to City Administrator Phillip Patterson. The resolution also supports the Police Department respecting all individuals regardless of race or culture; to adopt and emphasize constitutional, ethical and unbiased law enforcement practices and encourages residents to remain aware of the essential mission law enforcement personnel undertake and to honor and respect those goals, Patterson said.

There were two comments from the audience. One was from Larry Kenmore Jr., who said the resolution is a good start but the board needs to be more proactive in what it does for police officers.

Kenmore mentioned the NWA Adopt-a-Cop program and state Rep. Robin Lundstrum’s involvement, which will be coming to Siloam Springs, and how the Siloam Springs Rotary Club fed the Fire Department during the month of April.

The other speaker, Matthew Feyerabend, owner of Pure Joy Ice Cream, spoke about some of the city’s history as a “sundown town” and of various injustices of a racial nature he and other associates of his have experienced in their dealings with the Police Department. “Instead of passing this statement, I would encourage you to listen, learn and seek whether our community can make improvements in the way we police,” Feyerabend said.

Directors spoke on the resolution saying they support the Police Department, but also recognize the city’s history and saying the city has learned from it and moved on. “Yes we had a bad history, but that history only comes back to haunt us when somebody brings it up,” said Director Marla Sappington. “We have learned from it. We’ve progressed and there’s no need to discuss it.

Marc Hayot may be reached by email at mhayot@nwadg.com.