Behind the Badge
Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and representatives from several law enforcement agencies on Saturday joined with religious leaders of many faiths, city officials, human rights groups and a multi-ethnic crowd of close to 1,000 in the Orange County Solidarity March and Summit in Irvine.
Organized by the Rev. Mark Whitlock Jr. and the Rev. Charles L. Dorsey of Irvine’s Christ Our Redeemer Church, the peaceful event was designed to foster unity among cultures, communities, religions and law enforcement.
With Hutchens in the front row, flanked by Whitlock, Rev. Bill Cao of St. Anthony Claret Parish in Anaheim, Irvine Police Chief Mike Hamel, UCI Vice Chancellor Thomas Parham and Irvine Mayor Steven Choi, to name a few, the 1.2-mile march began at the Los Olives Marketplace and proceeded along Irvine Center Drive to Christ Our Redeemer Church.
Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens talks about how community policing is a two-way street with the need of the community and police working together.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Participants leading the procession held a banner that read “Orange County Solidarity.”
“We have to work together,” the sheriff told the gathering in front of the church. “We talk about community policing. That is a two-way street. We cannot do it alone and the community cannot do it alone. We have to be partners to keep our community safe and to insure justice for everyone. We want everyone to have the best life they can have here in Orange County.”
Sheriff’s deputies and police officers walked elbow-to-elbow with Asians, Latinos and African Americans as chants of “One-two-three … solidarity!” and “More love, less hate” rang out throughout the procession.
Rabbis walked alongside Christians.
Muslims walked alongside Sikhs.
Muslims join others in participating in a solidarity march down Irvine Center Drive.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
“The most powerful thing I think is the fact that we are here together,” said Pastor Kyle Zimmerman of Mariners Church in Irvine. “I think the ministry of presence and showing up is what expresses love better than anything. We are going to stand against racism and violence and hatred and put love on display by showing up.”
Garden Grove Police Chief Todd Elgin, Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada and Fullerton Police Capt. John Siko were among dozens of law enforcement representatives interspersed among the crowd … not to provide policing, but as engaged participants.
“You’ll notice that there are many different patches here today representing law enforcement,” Hamel said. “We thought this would be an excellent opportunity for us to come and demonstrate our true solidarity and willingness to work on mutual problems in the community. I honestly believe in all my heart that today can be the beginning of creating a model for mutual trust and respect and understanding.”
UC Irvine Police Chief Jorge Cisneros, left, Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada and APD Deputy Chief Dan Cahill walk down Irvine Center Drive in a solidarity march.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
There has been agreement among police chiefs to participate in events such as the Solidarity Walk, Elgin said.
“I’m here because I think it is our duty to be here,” Elgin said. “There is obviously a lot going on around the country with regard to police relations with the community and I think it is our opportunity to create a dialogue. This was a great event. It had a great feel to it.”
Fullerton PD Capt. John Siko, left, and Sgt. Michael Hines join others in walking down Irvine Center Drive in a solidarity march.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Community leaders including the Rev. Bill Cao of Saint Anthony Claret Church in Anaheim, right, Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, Pastor Mark Whitlock, Irvine Mayor Steve Choi (blue shirt), Irvine Mayor Pro Tem Lynn Schott and Irvine Police Chief Mike Hamel join others in a solidarity march down Irvine Center Drive.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The public along with police and members of church groups get ready to walk down Irvine Center Drive in a solidarity march.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Garden Grove Police Chief Todd Elgin gives a high-five to
Leslie Martinez of Irvine as they walk down Irvine Center Drive.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens talks to identical twins Olivia and Isabella Webster, 6, who were at the solidarity march with their grandfather, Doug Webster, a member of the O.C. Sheriff’s Interfaith Advisory Council.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Cora Lawsen, front right, and behind her Reese Townsend, both 8, at the conclusion of a solidarity march.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The public and members of the media gather at the conclusion of a solidarity march to hear a few speeches in front of COR (Christ Our Redeemer) Church in Irvine.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens speaks at the Action Summit at COR (Christ Our Redeemer) Church in Irvine.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Members of the public along with police and church groups walk down Irvine Center Drive in a solidarity march.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Orange County Undersheriff Don Barnes joins others in walking down Irvine Center Drive on Saturday, Aug. 13.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
