Page 2 - Florida Sentinel 6-23-17

Features
After 39 Years With The School District, 17 Years With TPD, Lt. Monroe Calls It Quit
Radio Program To Address Violent Deaths
Lt. Willie Monroe was recognized during the School Board meeting on June 13th for his years with Security Services of the School District of Hillsborough County. Joining him from left to right are: Gretchen Saunders, Chief Business Officer; School Board Members, Tamara Shamburger, Lynn Gray, Melissa Snively, Supt. Jeff Eakins, Lt. Monroe, Dr. Carolyn Collins, School Board Vice Chair, Sally Harris, School Board Member Susan Valdes and Chris Farkas, Chief Operations Officer.
(Photograph by BRUNSON)
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
After 56 years, they say, ‘He’ll be back.’
It was the late Lt. Romeo Cole, Jr. who encouraged Willie Monroe to join law en- forcement. He did. However, after 17 years, his career with the Tampa Police Depart- ment came to an end. A mo- torcycle accident sidelined him and led to early retire- ment from that agency.
But, in less than 2 years, he was back in law enforcement -- as a School Resource Offi- cer with the School District of Hillsborough County Secu- rity Services. That career spanned 39 years. Having worked his way through the ranks, he retired last week as a Lieutenant.
After working in the
schools for several years, his last few years were spent as personal security to former Superintendent MaryEllen Elia and current Superin- tendent Jeff Eakins.
As a police officer, Mon- roe worked under TPD’s Chief Charles Otero. When he went to the School District, he again worked under Otero. Today, they still maintain a friendship.
When asked about ‘unique’ memories as a police officer, Monroe recalled that at the time he went to TPD, “African-Americans could not arrest whites. We could detain them, or walk to a call box and wait for a white offi- cer to come. Black officers mainly walked the beat and did paddy wagon duties.”
He recalled that he and his white partner went for an in- vestigation at a home on
Davis Island. The home- owner told his partner to come in, but he had to stay outside. His partner, how- ever, told the homeowner that if he (Monroe) couldn’t come in he wouldn’t either.
As a School Resource Offi- cer, Monroe said he gave a lot of lectures to students in all grades.
“I would tell them, ‘we’re human just like you. We have ajobtodoandsodoyou–to stay in school, get an educa- tion, obey your parents and stay away from gangs.”
Although retired, Monroe said many have said he’ll be back. He says, ‘not so.’ He plans to spend time with his family – wife, Verneine S. Monroe, son, daughter and grandchildren; work more with his church, St. John Pro- gressive M. B. Church, visit- ing the sick and traveling. “God has been good to me!”
KING COBRA
MICHELLE PATTY
CHIEF ERIC WARD
Since the beginning of the year more than 30 people have died violent deaths. In the month of June four indi- viduals have died in Hillsbor- ough County.
In a four-day period begin- ning June 13th, and ending June 17th, Eddie Session, Johnny Morris, Antwan Jenrette, Jr., and Ms. Metosha Godwin all died violent deaths.
On Friday from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m., community ac- tivist Michelle Patty and businessman King Cobra will address the issue of vio- lence in our communities. They are hosts on the radio
COUNCILMAN FRANK REDDICK
show “What’s Really Hap- pening.” The show will air on WTMP 1150 AM Radio Sta- tion.
The guests appearing on the program are Tampa Po- lice Chief Eric Ward and City Councilman Frank Reddick.
King Cobra said, “This will be a live, call-in show and we want people to tune in. We are going to offer parents some tips on keeping their children safe and talk about ways to curb the violence in our communities.”
For those wishing to take part in the show, call (813) 251-9867.
PAGE 2-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2017