Yes, Madam Mayor.

I move to go into closed session to discuss pre-litigation settlement matters pursuant to North Carolina General Statute One Forty Three Dash Three Eighteen Point One One A Three.

Do I have a second?

Seconded by Mrs.

Thurm.

All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

And that passes unanimously.

We will come back out to adjourn, but I do not anticipate that we will be making any comments.

On behalf of the Greensboro Police Department, I would like to welcome you to the graduation of the our one hundred and eighteenth police academy.

I ask that each of you rise as the recruits from the one hundred and eighteenth police academy enter the auditorium led by the Greensboro Police Department Training Division staff.

It is the protocol of the Greensboro Police Department that members of our agency place their right hand over their heart at the order present arms.

And we would be honored if you would join us in doing the same.

Oh say can you see by the tons early light?

What so proudly we held at the twilight's last gleaming whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight or the ramparts we've watched were so gallantly streaming and the rockets red glare the bombs bursting in air cave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

Oh say does that starled yet or the land of the free and the home of her.

Bless their families and loved ones who have supported them along this journey.

Those who have prayed, waited, and sacrificed.

May they feel your pride and presence in this moment as well.

God, we ask that you continue to strengthen our community with unity, understanding, and respect.

Let the ceremony remind us that the true that true service is rooted in love and humility.

Grant them safety in every shift, peace and every challenge, and joy in the fulfillment of their duty.

We offer this prayer in your holy name.

Amen.

Good afternoon.

Who said that?

All right.

I'd like to thank everyone for taking the time to come out this afternoon in support of the Greensboro Police Department and the 118th Police Academy class.

This is always a challenge when we have to come up here because I can see nothing but light right now, my eyes.

And so I apologize if it looks like I'm squinting.

I'm I'm used to looking up and actually seeing people's faces, and I can't see anybody out there.

So I want to take a moment to thank some of our elected officials that have joined us today to show their support for the Academy class in the Greensboro Police Department.

We have with us Mayor Nancy Vaughan.

We have Mayor Pro Tem, Mary Kay Abuzader.

We have Councilwoman Therm and Councilwoman Pinder.

And I can't see if there's anybody else that came in.

All right, that looks like it's it.

So also like to take the opportunity to thank uh city leadership that's here in attendance today, uh, and any other elected officials that are joining us.

I'd like to take the opportunity to thank our law enforcement partners, other organizations that are here to support the Greensboro Police Department.

Thank you to those from the community that have taken the time to come here and show support for our organization.

And finally, I'd like to express my deepest gratitude to every single police officer and member of our professional staff, all of whom have chosen to dedicate their time and talent to serving this great city.

I'd like to take a moment to really speak to two groups here today.

Um the family friends here to support the members of the 118th Police Academy, and then second, the speak directly to the members of the 118th Police Academy.

So to the family and friends and supporters, I ask for you to thank and remember three things patience, support, and pride.

Patience due to the long nights, the missed holidays, the tough calls, and all the difficulties and challenges that come with this noble profession.

Support for the soon-to-be officers here on the stage as they come into one of the most trying professions where support can be lacking.

Recognition for the amazing work can oftentimes be minimalized.

Lastly, pride.

Not just pride for the members on this stage, but be proud of your role and their success and recognize that their achievements and successes are your achievements and successes.

To the graduating class, you are becoming a member of a premier law enforcement agency.

During a very exciting time.

With this, I ask you to remember four tenets that have influenced my career, and hopefully, they will guide you as you move forward in your career.

Compassion, service, hard work, and humility.

All things we do, we do with compassion.

As the police motto directs, we protect and serve.

Always remember to serve.

Hard work as a principal.

One of my favorite quotes.

And he says that satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment.