Clergy says “thank you” to Evanston police officers

They proudly saluted as the colour guard carried the American flag and the Evanston Police flag to the entrance of police headquarters on Tuesday afternoon.

After which, the assembled Evanston officers heard the phrases which Interim Chief Richard Eddington mentioned are “vitally essential,” particularly now: “Thanks.”

The multi-faith Police Clergy Crew, together with Mayor Daniel Biss, expressed not solely their very own appreciation for what cops do, but additionally the group’s.

“The overwhelming majority of Evanston,” mentioned Rabbi Dov Hillel Klein, “helps you and loves you being right here.”

The Rev. Eliezer Tendero referred to as the officers those “who’re all the time there for us, day in and day trip.”

Whereas no Evanston officers misplaced their lives within the line of obligation over the previous 12 months, that’s not the case nationwide, and so The Rev. Philip Bentley referred to as for a second of silence of their reminiscence.

And Fr. Robert Oldershaw recited the “Policeman’s Prayer,” with its hope for braveness, dedication, and God’s presence.

The post-George Floyd period has centered extra consideration on police practices, notably the remedy of Black males. Interim Chief Eddington mentioned residents need and deserve skilled and constitutional policing.

He additionally mentioned that sort of policing, doing it accurately, shouldn’t be incompatible with public security.

Individuals wish to make sure that, Eddington famous, “that there’s a protected area the place I can take my grandson to see the Bean at Millenium Park and never get caught in a crossfire.”

Eddington has been in regulation enforcement for greater than 44 years. He referred to as the present local weather probably the most difficult for officers because the Rodney King incident in 1991.

It took a decade, Eddington famous, till 9/11, for public help for regulation enforcement to construct again up,

Now, Eddington mentioned, the “defund the police” motion appears to be diminishing, maybe because the crime price goes up, and residents demand security.

Mayor Biss mentioned crime statistics are “frankly sobering, and worrying generally.”

However the mayor additionally informed the officers that it’s good to listen to about “the crime that didn’t happen, due to the work you do all day, on daily basis.”

And in closing, Chaplain Joey Rodgers informed the officers “that is holy work. Go in peace to maintain the peace.”