“Faith & Blue” Unites Cops and Community

This year’s annual “Faith & Blue” ceremony united law enforcement officers, church leaders, and citizens from across the area, as several gathered in the Toombs County High School auditorium for a community worship service on October 9.

Lyons Police Department began hosting the “Faith & Blue” celebration four years ago at Toombs County High School’s football field, known as “The Pit,” after hearing the stories of the positive outcomes of taking part in the national event.

“Faith & Blue” is celebrated nationwide to bring law enforcement and communities together through faith. The idea behind the gathering is to create safer, stronger, more just and unified communities by connecting law enforcement professionals, residents, businesses and organizations through faith.

The initiative aims to recalibrate police-community relations through solutionsfocused, in-person activities that are organized jointly by faith-based or other community groups and law enforcement agencies. This year, on October 6-9, cities across the nation came together in worship to promote faith, fellowship resolution, and reconciliation. continued from page

The local celebration included partnerships with local law enforcement agencies which attended and spoke during the service. These agencies included the Lyons Police Department, Toombs County Sheriff’s Office, Vidalia Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, and Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Along with these law enforcement officials, Bishop Vincent R. Drummer, Pastor Don Moye, Lyons Mayor Willis NeSmith, Jr., Vidalia Mayor Doug Roper, Rei’l Worldwide Founder Luther Wardlaw, Pastor Joseph Akins, Forge Recovery Center Secretary Amy Cruz, Pastors Troy and Carmella Williams, Pastor Christian Burton, and Dr. Bernard Hill delivered messages of gratitude for the supportive community and encouragements of unity and hope for the continuation of peace in the future.

The Wardlaw Brothers, Vidalia Cornerstone Church Worship Leader Sean Sasser, and Lyons Police Officer Ben Glosson performed at the event, as their voices joined in songs of praise to God.

“We are trying to bring the community together to make us a stronger community – not just Lyons, not just Vidalia – Toombs County as a whole. We all live our lives and worship and work in Toombs County, and it’s about all of us working together to make this community safer and a better place to live,” Lyons Police Chief Wesley Walker emphasized.

UNITED IN PRAISE – Law enforcement from throughout the area gathered with members of the community for a night of encouragement and worship during the “Faith & Blue” event on Monday, October 9.Photo by Makaylee Randolph