Dear Guardian Civic League Members

Today is: Monday, September 06, 2010

I pray that when this message reaches you, all is well with you and your families. I pray that this summer has been a safe one for you all. It has been one full year since we have taken office and we are progressing towards each and every goal we set for The Guardian Civic League and our members. Like most first year regimes; we have been treated with some trying times over the last year. Nevertheless, we have maintained our goals and remained steadfast as not to repeat the mistakes of the past!

However, my fellow members, my heart is heavy. I reminisce back to a time when those who had the privilege to be promoted through the ranks of the police department began their journey studying at the Guardian Civic League.That was the foundation which gave you the confidence to work hard and strive towards your goals. I look back at those old Guardian Civic League pictures and smile with great joy and pride. I am-and will continue to be proud of all of you.  But let us not forget where we came from!

When the call went out for help with our recent GCL study classes, only a few answered the call. I made several phone calls to those who now appear to be too busy to return the support that was given to them. What if Deputy Commissioner Steve Johnson, Chief Inspector Dexter Green, Inspector Frank Hayward, or Inspector Cynthia Dorsey, (just to name a few) would have said; "I'm unavailable, I'm too busy?" Where would some of us be? If the aforementioned men and women did not offer their guidance, knowledge, wisdom, experience, and assistance at the GCL,
would some of you had been able to obtain the career success you've received?

Ponder that question for a moment. And while you do, each Guardian Civic League Member would like to personally thank the following supervisors who DID answer that call: Lieutenant Dave Bellamy, Lieutenant Jonathan Josey, Lieutenant Ayesha Perry, Sergeant Hamilton Mashond, Sergeant Shawn Butts, and P/O Michael Coleman. Like our GCL forefathers they gave their time and energy to help tutor our recent study classes. We truly appreciate ALL of your hard work, assistance and diligent efforts.

In closing, remember the wise old proverb that read " If you don't know your past, you don't know your present, therefore you CANNOT learn your future."

To all past and present GCL members, please take this reminder as a mental challenge to return something to those who gave back something to all of us.

Rochelle Bilal
President