Understanding cultures and histories are important in building trust and relationships. COTC held its first tour of the African American Museum to understand and learn some of the history. As a member who grew up and participated in the Civil Rights Movement, I was able to share more insight into some of the exhibits. Although…
April is going to be a busy month for the Communities of Trust. Last year we held our first “Public Safety Career Day” at Saratoga Elementary School. This was a great, fun day for the students and teachers. In April we will be hosted by Hayfield and Sandborn Secondary Schools for another day of education…
The Communities of Trust Committee (COTC) was established five years ago, December 2014. We have done a lot to enhance relationships between our public safety departments, agencies and the communities they serve. The committee grown from five participating organizations and citizens to over 30. Each year, we brief our county executives on the previous year…
The outpour of support for the annual toy drives and distribution was overwhelming. Lead by Battalion Fire Chief Willie Bailey, the Firefighter and Friends Foundation, was instrumental in providing toys to many children. The volunteers and the amount of toys far exceeded the number from 2016. There is nothing better than seeing the smiles and…
The weather wasn’t the greatest but many came out to speak with those organizations looking for employees. Many thanks to Rev. Carl White of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Gum Springs, VA, his staff who provided the venue for this event. This would not have been possible without the foresight of Ms. Mattie Palmore, who wanted to…
COT Chair, Shirley Ginwright, has been appointed to serve on the Commonwealth’s Commission for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Established by Executive Order Number 69, the Commission will identify policy changes that can be made at the state level to combat intolerance, expand opportunity for all, and make Virginia more open and inclusive to people from every…
Community engagement includes participating parades. COTC members participated in the McLean Chrismas Parade, 2016. Great event for all of our partners (FBI, State Patrol, Sheriff’s Office, Office of Emergency Management, Fire and Police Departments). We look forward to our participation in other parades and community events.