|
Contact: Semone Roth, Communications Specialist/Peoria Police Department
Phone: 309-620-2047
Email: sroth@peoriagov.org
Statement From the Office of the Chief of Police
“Men of Peoria: Stand Up. Show Up. Be There”
Peoria, our children need us now more than ever. Last week was a difficult one for our community, and especially for the students at Manual High School. While our officers continue to do everything we can, the truth is simple: the police department cannot do this alone. Safety, guidance, and hope for our children require all of us, especially the men of our city.
Tomorrow morning, I am issuing a call to service for every father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, guardian, and role model in Peoria. Stand with me. Show up with me. Be present for our kids. At 6:45 a.m. in front of Manual High School, I will be there along with members of my command staff and other officers of the Peoria Police Department to greet students as they arrive. We want them to see and feel that their community stands behind them, strong and united.
This is not just about Manual High School. I am challenging the men of Peoria to take this same spirit of presence to schools all across our city. Create safe passages at the start and end of the school day. Be a visible wall of encouragement and protection. Let our children know that the men in their community are stepping forward, shoulder to shoulder, to ensure they can focus on learning and thriving without fear.
Men of Peoria, this is our time to lead. Our time to model strength, courage, and compassion. Together, let’s build safe pathways, safe schools, and safe neighborhoods for every child, every family, and every future.
I’ll see you tomorrow morning at 6:45 a.m. in front of Manual High School.
“Men of Peoria: Stand Up. Show Up. Be There.”
Eric Echevarria
Chief of Police
|
