Page 7 - Florida Sentinel 5-20-16 Online Edition

Local
Unity Event Planned To Bring Community Together
Chief Fills Vacancy With Promotions
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Tampa Police Chief Eric Ward has selected two indi- viduals for promotions. The promotions came about as the result of a high ranking mem- ber of his staff retiring.
Last Friday, Assistant Chief Mary O’Connor closed out her career with re- tirement. Chief Ward se- lected Major Marc Hamlin to fill her position. Captain Ron McMullen was chosen to fill the vacancy left by Major Hamlin’s departure.
Chief Ward said, “These promotions are well deserved as both men have served this department and city with honor and distinction. They have demonstrated that they have the experience and tem- perament to serve in key lead- ership roles.”
Assistant Chief Hamlin, 49, launched his career with the Tampa Police Department in 1990. During his tenure, he has worked throughout the department in the districts as well as in criminal and under- cover investigations.
His skills in planning and
MARC HAMLIN Newly promoted Assistant Chief of Police
management were exhibited during Super Bowl XLIII at Tampa Stadium in 2009 and the Republican National Con- vention in 2012.
Assistant Chief Hamlin
held the same position in the past. However, he stepped down in 2012, citing personal reasons.
Major Ron McMullen
joined the Tampa Police De- partment in 1988. During his tenure with the department, he has worked in all three dis-
RON McMULLEN Recently promoted to Major
tricts as well as serving as an undercover officer, which led to him bringing in millions of dollars in currency used by the department to purchase equipment.
Major McMullen, 52, cur- rently assigned as the Captain of District II, has been pro- moted to serve as the Major of Special Operations Division. He brings the experience of working as a recruiter, Field Training Officer, and District Supervisor to the post.
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
On Sunday, June 12th, the First Unity In The Community Event will take place. It will be held at the Centennial Park, 1800 E. 18th Avenue, (corner of 8th Avenue and E. 18th Av- enue), from 12 noon until 6 p.m.
Marvin Knight, one of the coordinators of the event said, “This is the first of its kind in this area. We have people with experience in different areas coordinating with our efforts. We are inviting people from all walks of life, all ethnicities, all cultures, all ages, and all reli- gions to come together.
“We are inviting churches, organizations, businesses local government, and individuals to come out for this one-of-a- kind event,” Knight said.
He further said the event will feature vendors offering a wide variety of different types of food, information ranging from health to finances, family activities and something for the entire family.
Knight stated that the purpose of the event is to just show love to one another. “Our vision is to show love to one another. This is a ‘can’t miss’ event. It is an all-out event.”
He further said the event will have a long lasting effect on those who attend. There will be historical displays that talk about the history of vari- ous fractions of the commu- nity such as the city, county, and law enforcement. There will be an antique and classic car show. The Tampa Fire De- partment will have its equip- ment on display, while the Tampa Police Department and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s
MARVIN KNIGHT Coordinator
Office will have Mounted Po- lice and its vehicles on display. In fact, Knight said, the event has the blessings of peo- ple throughout the commu- nity. The three honorary Co-Chairpersons are Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Tampa Po- lice Chief Eric Ward, and David Gee, the Hillsborough
County Sheriff.
And, although it is a non-
partisan event, Knight said some candidates running for office will most likely attend.
“The past has shown us that when we all come together for the same cause, we are suc- cessful. God always blesses us. It is time for us to work to- gether and find common ground. This is not about I or me, it is about all of us.”
For additional information about the event contact Knight at (813) 453-5690; Chief Tom Forward at (813) 334-5705; or Ms. Trienicia Washington at (813) 928-3879.
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 7-A