2024 Police Gala brings community together
Mayor says “We have to take care of those who take care of us.”
By DONALD WILBURN
donaldfwilburn@gmail.com
The 2nd Annual West Memphis Police Department’s, “A Night in Blue Lights Charity Gala,” proved to be a night _lled with excitement and celebration. The event, held on June 29th at 6:30 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel, brought together representatives from various organizations, businesses, and local community members to show their unwavering support for the men and women in blue.
The gala kicked off with a grand entrance by the WMPD Community Engagement Unit, who had worked tirelessly to make the event a success. Dynamic speakers, including keynote speaker Director Stephanie Jones-White from the West Memphis Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Marco McClendon, took the stage to express their gratitude to the nearly sold-out crowd for their support of the WMPD.
The Mayor also emphasized the importance of voting to pass a one cent local tax hike to build a new facility for the WMPD. The mayor stating, “The men and women of WMPD deserve better working conditions and that we should take care of those who take care of us.”
Chief Robbin A. Campbell Jr. delivered a speech, outlining the department’s accomplishments since the last Gala. Campbell mentioned the establishment of new divisions within the department, reinvention of the command staff to promote growth and improved management of calls, and a nearly 35 percent increase in staf_ng.
The event was organized by Major Harvey Taylor and Captain Ivora Hall, who aimed to strengthen ties between the police department and the community. Chief Campbell stressed the signi _cance of events like the Charity Gala, the Annual March Madness Tournament, and No Shave November in giving back to the community and rebuilding trust.
During the annual awards ceremony, several individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions. Sue Adamson was named Support Staff Member of the Year, while Tiara Hopkins received the Dispatcher of the Year award. Of_cer DeVonte’ Little was honored
See GALA, page A2
The Gala, now in its’ second year, was a nearly sold-out event.
Photos by WMPD
Familiar faces from the West Memphis community attended the formal Gala.
Several awards were given out throughout the evening.
From page A1
as the winner of the March Madness competition, and Edward Mitchell was celebrated as the WMPD Gala Winner. Ashley Wink_eld was recognized as the SRO of the Year, and DeQuane Kimbro received the Of_cer of the Year award. Sgt. Blake Forthman was named Supervisor of the Year, and Sgt. Kevin Jordan Sr. was honored as the Humanitarian of the Year. The WMPD Foundation also presented a $2,500 donation to Faith International Ministry Church, the selected non-pro_t recipient for the year.
The night concluded with an address by Mayor Marco McClendon, the state of the WMPD speech by Chief Campbell, and an inspirational message from Earle Mayor Jaylen Smith. Entertainment was provided by Arnishia King and The Unit Band, making it a memorable night for all attendees.
The Gala would not have been possible without the support of corporate sponsors such as Clark Towing, Crittenden EMS, Real Deal Ryderz, Baptist Hospital, Ford of West Memphis, Gene Stinson Big Star, Chick-Fil-A, Days Inn, Bayird Dodge, Westrock Orthodontics.
