The Editor:
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly ...” Martin Luther King Jr., 1963.
On January 27, the Memphis Police Department released video footage from a January 7 incident involving at least five Memphis police officers, other first responders and Tyre Nichols. Nichols sustained a brutal beating from the Memphis police officers and died from his injuries three days later.
I watched the videos over the weekend. It was horrific and heartbreaking. After the first 15 minutes, I had to take a break, emotionally catch my breath and pray to view the rest of the video footage. The actions of these criminal officers were some of the worst I have seen in 30 years of law enforcement. Although this happened almost 2,400 miles from Blaine, we should be reminded that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
The first paragraph of the Chief’s Preface in the Blaine Police Department policy manual states, “The Blaine Police Department is committed to providing effective and fair law enforcement services to our community. We do this by embracing the tenets of the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and our core values, Duty, Integrity, and Accountability.” These values are critically important to all of us at Blaine Police Department.
The Blaine Police Department sets an example of professionalism, and we are dedicated public servants to the Blaine community. We strongly believe in fairness, impartiality, compassion and are aware of how personal biases (implicit and explicit) can have an extraordinary impact on community members.
The mental health and well-being of Blaine Police Department members are equally as important. We have confidential options available to all team members.
Lastly, I send my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Tyre Nichols and the Memphis community.
Donnell Tanksley
Blaine police chief
Blaine
The Editor:
Our community would benefit from a visioning process – like we did for the new library – to gather public input on redevelopment of Blaine civic center, which includes the library, police station, skate park and old city hall site. Since these public holdings in the heart of downtown are contiguous, it’s possible to develop a master plan for the entire site.
A new library, art center, affordable apartments and a parking garage are some of the ideas. Others may emerge as we hold a public discussion about Blaine’s future. If we want that future to happen for us rather than to us, we need to talk.
Jay Taber
Blaine
The Editor:
We’ve been waiting over a year for the city of Blaine to complete an electrical inspection of a project in our home.
After reading the recent article on the massive building expansion for the city of Blaine, I would like to know how this unacceptable delay of services will get any better.
According to the city, there is just one building inspector to issue this category of permits.
Even if the budget to hire extra staff is achieved, the difficulty in finding service and technical staff for our community in the current housing and labor market is daunting.
Gabriel Komjathy
Blaine
The Editor:
The Evergreen Cat Fanciers invites all cat lovers to their 2023 spring show “My Furry Valentine” for registered breeds and household pet kittens/cats. With 125 competing for awards, this public event will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, February 11 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, February 12 in the Ferndale Events Center, 5715 Barrett Road. Come for a weekend full of fabulous felines, fun and friendship. Parking is free.
Whether you’re a cat owner, or just like to watch them, this is a popular event where visitors can check out a specific breed and judge for themselves.
For further information for admission, on how to enter your cat or become a vendor/sponsor, visit our website: Evergreencatfanciers.org. Special thanks to the Ferndale Lions Club and various vendors for their support in celebrating and showcasing cats!
Karen Fletcher
Ferndale
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here