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Features
Retired Officer Hopes For Increase In Minority Hiring
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
For many years, a Tampa native has dedicated his life to serving and protecting his com- munity. On Friday, January 22nd, he closed out his career as a member of the Tampa Police Department.
When Orlando Gudes joined the department in Feb- ruary 1990, there were less than 100 Black officers. Twenty-six years later, that number has marginally risen.
“The police department still has many challenges with mi- nority hiring. Everyone talks about Tampa being the ‘Next Great City,’ but we get an “F” when it comes to minority hir- ing.
“We have to stop using that infectious excuse of there not being enough qualified appli- cants. When I came on there was a little more than 90 offi- cers, now there are about 122.
“Retention is all part of the process, but the key component is hiring the right people to re- cruit Blacks. We must also get away from a stagnant system they continue to utilize.
“I believe you have to look at small colleges and look at
ORLANDO GUDES Retired Tampa Police Officer
some of the athletes who are not going to the pros who can’t find employment.”
He further said another so- lution to the problem would be bringing recruits to Tampa and provide assistance to them so they will want to live and work here.
In addition, Gudes sug- gested the city revisits its hiring criteria. “You don’t need college to be an entry level police offi- cer. Some may not have the money to pay for training in the academy. There should be scholarships available. And once the person is hired, he can pay for college or enroll in the programs that help pay for ed- ucation.”
When it comes to retention, Gudes said the trainers ulti- mately determine who will sur- vive and who will fail. “You have to look at the trainers and see who always have minorities phasing out. It’s already a stressful job and you have to feel comfortable with your teacher.”
Gudes, the first member of his family to enter law enforce- ment, looks back on a career that offered challenges as well as benefits.
“I realized that I had a seri- ous job, but it opened a door for me, which is what it did. How, I am focused on empowering our people, and the unification of our people. We have to learn tovoteandbeapartofthees- tablishment; not let the estab- lishment put holds and bars or dictate our progress. Our com- munity has the power to make anything happen in this city.”
During his career, Gudes served as a mentor to members of the community and met those who many made a lasting impression on his life.
In return, he works with the youth of the community to mentor them and help them develop into productive citi- zens.
Progress Village Council President Is Newest Board Member Of Meals On Wheels
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
Meals On Wheels (MOW) Tampa Bay announced last week the addition of its newest Board Member, Linda Wash- ington. In addition to being gainfully employed by Coca- Cola Refreshment for 11 years as the HR Supervisor, much of her time is spent spearheading the Progress Village Civic Council as President, and as the Scholarship Chairperson of the Progress Village Founda- tion, Inc.
However, all of this is part of being actively involved in your community, she says. Be- cause of her hands-on involve- ment, it was easy for her to say yes when asked to be a member of the Meals On Wheels Board of Directors.
A little more than a year ago, the Meals on Wheels Pro- gram took hold in the Progress Village community (33619 zip code community). After several requests for service in that community, an outreach for drivers went out and the com- munity responded. The Meals on Wheels program was born in that community.
“Linda was a big help in the expansion process, spread- ing word and connecting us with community leaders, com- munity groups, recipients in need, volunteers, sponsors, etc.,” states Lauren Vance, MPH, MOW Director of Com- munication.
LINDA WASHINGTON ...New Member, Board of
Directors, Meals On Wheels Tampa Bay
Mrs. Washington, 58, was born in Quincy, FL. She is a graduate of Brandon High School and Nova Southeastern University. Prior to joining Coca-Cola, she spent 22 years with Verizon.
Kenneth Sr., Mrs. Washington is the mother of Ashley McKenzie and Tim- othy Washington, Tampa; Khaliq Muhammad (Van- ity), Rockford, IL; and Alisa Washington and Jocelyn
Lipsey, Jeffersonville, IN.
As an entrepreneur, Mrs. Washington is owner of Treasured Travels by Linda, a travel agency. She is a member of First Baptist Church of Progress Village. She enjoys traveling, shopping with her
daughter and reading.
Married to
Washington,
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