The Leadership Stockton Class of 2016 is pleased to announce the premiere of Hearts of Blue: Humanity in the Line of Duty, a documentary exploring the personal and professional lives of four Stockton Police officers. The preview will be held on July 19th at 6:00pm at the Bob Hope Theatre in Stockton. Admission is free but attendees are asked, if possible, to bring and donate an unwrapped toy for the Stockton Youth Activities Annual Matt Smith Toy Drive benefiting local area children whose lives have been touched by violence.
The 2016 Leadership Stockton project is called P.E.A.C.E. - Police Encouragement And Community Engagement. The intent of the class project is both to show local law enforcement our appreciation for the safety they provide, and to improve communication and understanding within our community. The class completed a much needed facelift to the exterior of the Police Department including paint, landscaping, and a memorial rose garden. The class also supported the Police Officer Memorial Service event in May. In particular, the documentary seeks to further the conversation about Police and citizen interaction with the hope of building more trust and ultimately a more peaceful and equitable society.
Leadership Stockton was created 34 years ago through the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce with the intent to create and develop community leaders. By developing enlightened, educated and motivated community leaders from all backgrounds and areas of our community, we can continue to transform Stockton. Since its inception, more than 795 participants have graduated from the program.
When Chief Jones learned of this year's class project benefiting the Stockton Police Department, he was honored. The project’s focus is on the beautification of an old and tired building (construction of it began in 1968), as well as the community engagement, could not, according to Jones, come at a better time. "Our Stockton Police Department employees have traversed very difficult times, and to be appreciated and encouraged lifts my heart; and I know it will lift our collective Departmental morale.
The project’s emphasis on community engagement also comes at a critical time when, now more than ever, we need to build bridges with the community we serve, and we need to highlight the positive things going on in the Police Department. To the 2015-16 Leadership Stockton Class, I sincerely thank you, and the entire SPD thanks you, for your willingness to lift up SPD during a very challenging time in history. Together, we can continue to bring public safety and our wonderful community into an ongoing, strengthened partnership."
For more information on how you can support the Class of 2016 please visit www.peaceforstockton.com