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TEG THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016 V V V T O PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING P R O T E C T FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1895 A N D V V V Good Evening VVV Thank you for your service. WWW.EMPORIAGAZETTE.COM S E R V E PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVE STORMONT PHOTOGRAPHY LOCAL POLICE STRIVE TO EASE TENSIONS COMMUNITY THANKS LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS By Mary Ann Redeker By Jessie Wagoner Deadly gunfire erupted in Dallas last week after videos showing two African-American men, shot by police in Louisiana and Minnesota, spurred protests and debate over police use of force across the country. Five police officers were killed and seven others were wounded in the ambush, the deadliest single incident for U.S. law enforcement since September 11, 2001. The Emporia Police Department offered their sympathy to the Dallas Police Department and their families. “While we recognize tragic incidents can occur anywhere, we feel blessed to live in a community that supports and respects law enforcement,” Police Chief Scott Cronk said. “Our officers will continue to provide quality service to When news broke about the attack on Dallas law enforcement officers, people in the Emporia community sprung into action. While they couldn’t help law enforcement in Dallas, Emporians made efforts to show their appreciation to local law enforcement. [email protected] [email protected] By early afternoon Friday, the Emporia Police Department was flooded with letters, notes, cookies and other special treats for officers. Gerri Briggs was one Emporian who delivered cookies and a heartfelt thanks. “I woke up and saw the news and was just so sad,” Briggs said. “It was my birthday and it was just such a sad day and I decided I needed to get some cookies and go tell them thank you. It’s important to respect the men in blue.” When Briggs arrived to deliver her cookies, she realized others were there to deliver items as well. Throughout the day Friday, a steady stream of visitors Please see Thanks, Page 16 COURTESY PHOTO  Sheriff Heath Samuels, Undersheriff John Koelsch and Narcotics Investigator Dominick Vortherms wait tables at a recent Tip-A-Cop event. Members of local law enforcement teamed up to raise money for Special Olympics.  the citizens and visitors of Dallas tragedy Emporia. Working together with the community, our felt in Emporia goal is to reduce crime and Emporia Narcotics Inkeep our neighborhoods vestigator Dominick Vorthsafe.” Please see Local, Page 16 COURTESY PHOTO Gerri Briggs meets with Emporia Police Department officers to deliver cookies and her thanks for their service.  DAVIS REFLECTS ON FIRST YEAR AS DIRECTOR OF MUNICIPAL BAND president of the Friends of the Emporia Municipal Band, there were five possible directors the For the final time this summer, board had to choose from to pick the Emporia Municipal Band will up the director’s baton. Winter fill the area of Fremont Park with said Davis’ history with the band music as it performs its final con- helped give him the edge. “Out of five possible directors cert at 8 p.m. tonight. It marks the end of James Da- we chose James,” Winter said. vis’ first year as director of the “As he was Gary’s ‘main man’ for setup and player band after long“... I try to balance fill-ins.” time director Gary Wi n t e r a l s o McCarty retired entertainment of our noted the fact Daafter 23 years. audience, playing good, vis lives in Salina “After consulting with several quality music, maintaining wasn’t an issue as multiple candifriends, I decided the community band dates resided out to apply and let the audition pro- traditions and keeping our of town, although Davis — a former cess work,” Davis musicians challenged.” Emporian — was said. the only candiA graduate of JAMES DAVIS, date who resides the music educaEmporia Municipal Band director out of the county. tion program from The Gazette conEmporia State, Davis holds additional certifica- firmed, however, that the other tions from Kansas State Univer- four candidates are Emporians. “We also elected Matt Esau to sity, Friends University and Baker takeover James’ old job,” Winter University. According to Dick Winter, said. “And to become James’ assistant in case he was not able to make it any week.” By John Robinson [email protected] VOL. 125, NO. 11 Please see Davis, Page 5 JOHN ROBINSON/GAZETTE James Davis leads the Emporia Municipal Band. Davis, an Emporia native who resides in Salina, took over as director after the retirement of Gary McCarty.