Marshfield Police Department Hold Cookout and Peaceful Rally Thursday Afternoon
Friday, June 5th, 2020 -- 10:50 AM
(WDLB) -Members of the Marshfield Police Department took time last night to meet and talk with members of the community, during a cookout and peaceful rally at Wenzel Family Plaza downtown.Police Chief Rick Gramza said the idea behind the event came from one of his officers to bring everyone together, to start a dialogue about the recent events sparked by the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis last month. Echo Means of Marshfield shared some of her concerns with the Chief, along with past experiences with the law enforcement community. 14-year-olds Emma Normand and Jennifer Espinoza drove in from Athens for last night's rally, Emma with a sign that read "Black Lives, Deaths, Pain & Tears Matter". Chief Gramza said the various messages of those in attendance were heard load and clear.
Means told Chief Gramza and the other officers their effort to take time to listen to the community goes a long way, and is the first step in effecting change. Several hundred people attended last night's rally, many carrying signs in support of George Floyd. Others were collecting donations for those affected by the rioting and violent protests in Minneapolis. Those in attendance were also served free food donated by several Marshfield businesses.
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