Blessing of the Badges

This is a new experience for me on Wednesday 25 March 2015 and it was quite nice. Michael Maryon dropped me off at the Baltimore City Police Headquarters after we dropped clothes off at the Baltimore City Detention Center. 

I did not know what to expect.  I just knew that LTC Melvin Russell wanted us to be there if we could.  He received a last minute notice and as a result, most of us in our chaplaincy class could not attend. 

The program started with the color guard and the National Anthem.  Breakfast was provided by Brian Piccolo, Senior Account Executive, S3 Integration, and Josh Logue, Principal, ASR Enterprises Inc.  Brian said, "I can offer you a fresh set of eyes to see what security you have."  Josh reminded us that not too many years ago our cell phones were only for making calls.  Now they do so much more.

James Russell Sharpe talked about the relationship between law enforcement and the minority communities in our country.  He also gave us some history about the organization and its formation.

Duane Crawford applauded the Baltimore City Police Department for hosting the event.  "It is not about what the community is thinking, but about what the community is experiencing day in and day out."

Commissiner Batts gave some background information on himself and how NOBLE helped him.  Capt. Ronce Alford read a poem by Larry Hogan's press secretary in 2004.

Bishop Marcus Johnson and Pastor Toni Draper blessed the badges after the clergy in the room prayed over those who wanted a prayer.  We teamed up in pairs of two and went around the room.  The prayer which I used is the standard, ancient prayer of the Orthodox Church, O Heavenly King.  Why make up my own feeble prayer when I can join my mind and heart with all my Orthodox brothers around the world and in time?



  

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Josh Logue, Principal, ASR Enterprises Inc. and Brian Piccolo, Senior Account Executive, S3 Integration,
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Chief Sharon Harrison, president of the Maryland Chapter of NOBLE
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James Russell Sharpe

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Duane Crawford
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Commissioner Anthony Batts
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Capt Ronce Alford

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LTC Melvin Russell
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Bishop Marcus Johnson
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Pastor Toni Draper
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Prayer for the Blessing of the Badges
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