A LETTER FROM SUMMIT POLICE CHIEF ROBERT K. WECK

A letter from Summit Police Chief Robert K. Weck was sent to the Interfaith Council and Mayor and Common Council on July 13, 2016.
I wanted to touch base with the members of the Interfaith Council and Council Members with regard to the senseless violence we have seen take place over the past week, be it the 60 plus shootings in Chicago this past weekend or the numerous deadly encounters between civilians and police officers. All are tragic events and leave me speechless as to why this lack of compassion and value of life continues.
All of us have worked hard and together throughout the past four years (and before that) to further strengthen the relationships between the congregations, the citizens and the officers of our police department. I say “our” police department, because I truly believe that we all are one team and have the same mission; to make the City of Summit the safest and most intertwined cohesive community we can, and we have, but there is always more work that can be done.
I want you all to know that my door is always open and if you and or members of your congregation need or want to discuss anything that can continue to bring us together as one, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time. There may be some tough discussions, but as long as we are communicating, we are already ahead of the curve.
The fallen, their families, loved ones and members of all the communities are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for all you do to help make Summit a better place. SEF INVITED TO “PUSH THE PLUNGER” The City of Summit selected the Summit Educational Foundation (SEF) to commence the “pushing of the plunger” at the 69th annual July 4 fireworks celebration at Soldiers Memorial Field. Each year, the Department of Community Programs recognizes an individual or members of an organization that have made a significant contribution to the Summit community by inviting them to gather on the main stage and set off the fireworks display. SEF is being honored for its outstanding contributions to the Summit Public School System over the past three decades. SEF is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of education in Summit public schools and has awarded over $5.4 million in innovative teacher and district grants during its 30-year history. In 2015, SEF granted $360,000, the largest single grant in the organization’s history, to the Summit High School (SHS) Chromebook Initiative. To learn more about SEF and its ongoing initiatives, visit sefnj.org.