Page 10 - Florida Sentinel 8-2-16 Online Edition

Local Police District III Commander Leads Officers In Event At Perry C. Harvey Park
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
Tampa Police District III Commander, Major Roo- sevelt “Rocky” Ratliff, joined his officers for “Roll Call” at Fair Oaks Playground last Thursday, before heading over to Perry C. Harvey Park for another event.
Maj. Ratliff said thanks to former police chief, Jane Castor, they have been doing roll call at different locations for the past 8 years.
“Chief Castor thought this would get officers closer to the people they serve, and create a more comfortable working en- vironment.
“We also have what we call Porch Roll Calls. That’s what happened when residents in Tampa Heights put blue light bulbs outside their homes as a tribute to the fallen officers in Texas, and on behalf of the of- ficers and deputies here.”
Maj. Ratliff said last Thursday, a “Champions of Character” event was held at Perry C. Harvev Park, and it was well attended.
The event was the request of professional wrestler, Titus O’Neal, who surprised every- one when he brought Tampa Bay Buccaneer quarterback,
Jameis Winston with him, along with Ricky Sailor.
“O’Neal contacted the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and asked what they could do to help him in- teract with youth. From that came “Champions of Charac- ter,” and a park full of kids.
“The results of that event have been tremendous, and I think we’ve established better rapport with the community.
“The officers played kickball with the kids, and tossed water balloons. O’Neal is al- ways requesting to be a part of any event where he can get close to the kids.”
As far as roll call is con- cerned, Maj. Ratliff said the locations are determined by residents calling them, and they arrive to set everything up.
“Whenever we’re going to do something special, we no- tify the residents either through the neighborhood as- sociations and crime watch groups, or on an individual basis.
“Lately, residents have asked us to come back and do roll call in their neighbor- hood’s again. We really like doing it in the community more than at our office.”
From right to left: Ricky Sailor, Jameis Winston, Titus O’Neal, Lt. Richard Blasioli, Maj. Rocky Ratliff, and Jamal Jefferson.
Champions of Character, Jameis Winston and Major Rocky Ratliff.
These are scenes from Roll Call at Fair Oaks Community Center.
Scene From Porch Light Blue.
PAGE 10 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, AUGUST 2 , 2016