In Observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Monday, January 18)

Martin Luther King, Jr. was an American Baptist minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the civil rights movement from 1954 until his death in 1968. Since 1986, the birth date of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has been observed as a federal holiday by the federal government. It should be a day of community and humanitarian service, and interracial cooperation.

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Given the need to continue to evolve professional policing across the nation, Dr King's words and commitment to non-violent protest are even more important today. This weekend as we celebrate Dr. Martin Lurther King Day, I remember growing up listening and watching how Dr King championed nonviolent protest. I admired the character it took to face violent responses without lashing back. Today more than ever I appreciate his commitment to this principle of nonviolence.

I am also committed to the concept that policing is a Guardianship service first. This merely means that the Parsons Police Department focuses first on being a helping agency before jumping right to our enforcement responsibilities.

Commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with service. Let us give back to our community today or find an opportunity to serve in the near future. Search for volunteer opportunities on: https://www.nationalservice.gov/serve-your-community/mlk-day-service