Page 2 - 5-1-15 Friday's Edition

Features
Mayor Names New Tampa Police Chief
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Mayor Bob Buckhorn
has named the person who will lead the Tampa Police Department. He announced it Thursday.
Mayor Buckhorn had the option of hiring from within the department or hir- ing a retired law enforcement officer under contract. “I could bring back someone under contract, but I never considered that because we have a wealth of talent within this agency. I believe it sends the right signal to the men and women within the de- partment that if they excel, then upward mobility is pos- sible.”
Mayor Buckhorn has selected Assistant Chief Ward to replace retiring Chief Jane Castor. Her last day on the job is May 8th.
His options for a new Chief of Police included As- sistant Chief Eric Ward, Deputy Chief Brian Dugan, or Deputy Chief Mary O’Connor.
Of his decision, Mayor Buckhorn said, “I want Eric to shape the department in his own image, using his own ideas and experiences. I’m open to his ideas.”
A Tampa native, Assis- tant Chief Ward is a 26- year veteran of the department. He graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1984, and prepared himself for a career in law en- forcement. He joined the Tampa Police Department in 1988.
Assistant Chief Ward
enrolled at St. Leo College, where he earned his degree in Criminal Justice. He contin- ued his education at that in- stitution of higher learning and earned his B. A. degree in
ERIC WARD
... New Tampa Police Chief
Criminal Justice.
During his career in law
enforcement, Assistant Chief Ward has been as- signed to the Criminal Intel- ligence Bureau, K-9, Gang Suppression Unit, Firehouse Program, Street Anti-Crime Squad and Selective Enforce- ment Bureau.
Assistant Chief Ward
was also a member of the de- partment’s Tactical Response Team, Honor Guard, and Hostage Negotiation Team before becoming a senior staff member of the depart- ment.
Assistant Chief Ward
was raised in East Tampa, where he was a member of the Belmont Heights Little League.
In coming months, the newly appointed Chief of Po- lice will begin to shape the de- partment through promotions. Several seasoned police officers will retire in the next year.
Mayor Buckhorn said, “We are going to lose a lot of our experienced people through retirement. The next generation will start to take over. The department will have a lot of young blood through promotions.”
Student To Take Part In Wreath Laying Ceremony At Arlington Cemetery
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
This weekend, more than 100 students from throughout the nation will arrive in Wash- ington, D. C. These students are recipients of the Pruden- tial Spirit of Community Awards.
N’Jhari Jackson and his mother, Ms. Lashina Lewis-Jackson, will be among those honored. N’Jhari was chosen as one of two state finalists.
In addition to being recog- nized as a state finalist, N’Jhari was also chosen as one of only four students se- lected to participate in the Wreath Laying Ceremony at Arlington Cemetery. The cere- mony will take place on Sun- day morning.
His mother said, “This whole experience has been breath-taking, just leading up to the events that will take place in Washington, D. C. To find out that he was asked to take part in the wreath laying ceremony at Arlington Ceme- tery is like Christmas in the spring. Considering his late grandfather was a Purple Heart recipient. It’s an honor for his school, his community, and a personal honor for our family.”
Several years ago, N’Jhari launched a program that pro-
N’JHARI JACKSON ...To be honored as top volunteer
vides youngsters having sur- gery with a stuffed animal to comfort them. He decided to create the program after see- ing another child was about to have surgery and his mother had not yet arrived. N’Jhari gave the child his stuffed toy to comfort him. Since that time, he has provided toys to others throughout Florida and neighboring states.
He called the project Pa- jama Buddy Voyage and con- tinues to provide the stuffed animals donated for the proj- ect.
Last October, N’Jhari was chosen as the recipient of a four-year scholarship as the winner of the Hispanic Her- itage Month Essay Contest. He was recognized by Governor Rick Scott during a visit to
Tallahassee.
In 2012, N’Jhari won 2nd
place in the Gee Whiz Kids Awards competition. The award was presented in Wash- ington, D.C., and was given by the Heart of America Founda- tion. He received a certificate, letter, and $150.
However, in February 2015, The Prudential Spirit of Community committee se- lected 102 students from each state and the District of Co- lumbia, to recognize for their outstanding volunteer service.
Each state honoree will re- ceive $1,000, an engraved sil- ver medallion, and an all-expense paid visit to Wash- ington, D. C. The students chosen for the honor were on middle and high school levels.
While in Washington, the students will tour the local landmarks, meet the youth volunteers from other areas of the country, attend a gala awards ceremony at the Smithsonian’s National Mu- seum of Natural History, and visit their Congressional Rep- resentatives on Capitol Hill.
Five middle school stu- dents and five high school stu- dents from the group will be chosen as America’s top youth volunteers for 2015.
N’Jhari is currently an honor student at Paideia School of Tampa Bay and a member of Men of Vision.
PAGE 2-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2015