The community is invited to join Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg and Police Chief Luther Reynolds for “The Charleston Tribute to Law Enforcement,” an appreciation service in observance of National Police Week 2019, at 11:30 am on Thursday, May 16th at Mother Emanuel AME Church.
Montgomery County, Maryland Assistant Chief of Police Marcus Jones (right) will deliver the event's keynote address. Jones, a 33-year veteran police officer, is a former Chairman of the National Black Police Association and recently served on the Board of Directors for the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund. Jones and Reynolds worked together in Maryland before Reynolds became the Charleston chief. The event, which is free to the public, is co-sponsored by the Charleston Illumination Project and the city of Charleston.
The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard from Joint Base Charleston will open the tribute with a Flag Ceremony followed by the National Anthem performed by opera singer Esther Williams. Other program participants will include: Rev. Dr. Kylon J. Middleton, Charleston Illumination Project Leader; Rev. Eric Manning, Mother Emanuel AME; Rev. Rich Robinson, Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy; Troy McClain, Jr., The I AM Foundation/Cops and Kids Basketball Tournament; Rhett Outten, Charleston Citizen Police Advisory Council; and Shelby Levine, gospel singer.
Mayor Tecklenburg has issued a proclamation naming May 12th to 18th, 2019 as National Police Week in the city of Charleston. In accordance with federal law, all flags outside City of Charleston buildings will be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, May 15th, 2019 to honor the sacrifices of law enforcement.
Mother Emanuel AME Church is located at 110 Calhoun Street.
