MORE DETAILS Police to join National Faith & Blue Weekend

The Dekalb County Police Department has teamed up with local faith leaders for the 2021 National Faith & Blue Weekend, according to a press release. The event has been called the “largest and most collaborative police community outreach project in American history.” The goal is to strengthen neighborhoods through two key pillars of the community — houses of worship and law enforcement.

“This is a great opportunity to work along with our faithbased organizations to show our dedication and commitment to the citizens and the community we serve,” Chief Mirtha V. Ramos said.

The celebration takes place 5 p.m. Friday at Rehoboth Baptist Church, 2997 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker and 10 a.m. Saturday at House of Hope Atlanta, 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur.

“One of the many themes that I’ve learned from studying the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is the idea of the beloved community,” Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Senior Pastor, The House of Hope Atlanta said. “The Faith & Blue initiative gives us an opportunity to give redress to many of the issues that exist between law enforcement and local communities. It’s profoundly important and hopeful to have these types of forums that can bring unity, empowerment and peace.” Features:

■ Meet & greet the DKPD SWAT Team and Bomb Squad

■ Obstacle course with the DKPD Motors Unit

■ Games with the Community Policing Unit (CPU)

■ DKPD recruiters

■ Access to community resources

■ Music and more “The Faith & Blue Block Party sponsored by area faith families and the DKPD on October 8 is a wonderful opportunity to deepen our relationships, so together, we strive for a better and more just community,” Troy Bush, Senior Pastor, Rehoboth Church Family said. “I am thankful for Chief Ramos and her staff and for all of the clergy and their congregations that have made this evening possible.”

Every major national law enforcement group supports the National Faith & Blue Weekend. The Dekalb County Police Department is participating for the second year.