Good afternoon and welcome to the special meeting of the Greensboro City Council, May eleventh, twenty twenty six.

I move that the city council go into closed session pursuant to North Carolina General Statute One Forty Three Dash Three Eighteen Eleven A Three to Consult with the City Attorney in order to preserve the attorney client privilege regarding matters that may give rise to potential or pending litigation and North Carolina General Statute One Forty Three Dash Three Eighteen Eleven A ten for the City Council to review body worn camera recordings.

Do I hear a second?

Seconded by Mr.

Marshall.

All in favor, please say aye.

And that passes unanimously.

We will be back as soon as we do that.

Oh say can you see by the dawn's light what surprisedly hailed at the twilight lights last gleaming whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perless fight or the watched was least dreaming and the rocket the bombs busting gave proof through the night that a flag was to stay us that free and the health order right Steve Good to offer the invitation would you bow with me for prayer Heavenly Father Today we gather with gratitude and humility and hope as we celebrate the graduation of the one hundred and nineteenth Greensboro Police Department Academy class.

We thank you for the dedication for the sacrifice and the perseverance that have brought these graduates to this important moment.

Through long hours of training and testing, discipline and preparation, they have answered a call to serve others, often in difficult and dangerous circumstances, and today we honor their commitment to protect and serve the people of Greensboro and beyond.

Lord, we ask for your hand of protection upon each officer standing here today.

Watch over them as they begin the next chapter of service.

Grant them safety in moments of uncertainty and danger, bring them home safely, and at the end of every shift to the families and the loved ones who stand behind them with pride and support.

Give these officers wisdom to make sound decisions, discernment to know what is right, courage to stand firm in difficult moments, and patience when tensions rise.

Help them to lead not with anger or fear, but with integrity, justice, compassion, and self-control.

Father, guard their hearts in a profession where they will encounter pain, conflict, tragedy, and brokenness.

Help them never to lose their compassion for people.

May they remain strong without becoming hardened and courageous without becoming reckless and authoritative without losing kindness.

We also pray for their families, for spouses, parents, grandparents, children, and friends who both share in the pride in the burden of this calling.

Give them a peace during the long nights, comfort during anxious moments, and strength as they support those who serve our community.

Lord, your word tells us, blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God, and may these graduates truly be peacemakers in our city, protecting the innocent, serving the vulnerable, and helping bring order and safety and hope where it is needed most.

And Father, today, these graduates become part of a proud legacy as a graduate of PBIC 60.

I admit I may be a little biased, but I truly believe they are joining one of the finest police departments in anywhere in this nation.

The only one second to us is a Guilford County Sheriff's Department.

May they honor the way they wear that badge, and may they protect this community and serve the generations of officers who have gone before them in service, sacrifice, and gratitude.

Bless the Greensboro Police Department, its leadership, its officers, civilian staff, and all who support this mission in each and every day continue to guide this department to be a light in this community and a source of protection and professionalism and compassion for the people of Greensboro.

As these officers take their oath and begin their service, may they walk with humility, honor, and courage.

Guide them in every step, protect them from evil, and use them for good in our community.

And we pray all these things in your holy name.

Say it with me.

Amen.

Please be seated.

Now I'd like to call Greensboro Interim Chief of Police Chris Schulte Still for his remarks and welcome any of our special guests, Chief Schultz.

Good morning, and welcome to the graduation of the 119th Greensboro Police Academy.

I want to thank you all for being here this morning to celebrate the accomplishments of these graduates.

I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge and express our gratitude for folks who came to join us today.

Uh, to our elected officials who are here, to our city officials present, thank you.

We appreciate your support.

I would also like to recognize and thank members of the other law enforcement agencies present today, the Greensboro Fire Department, members of the community who have joined us, and those from our agency who have come to support our newest officers.

Thank you.

It is truly an honor to stand before you today as we celebrate this important occasion.

To the graduates seated here, congratulations.

Today marks the culmination of months of hard work, discipline, and commitment.

More importantly, it marks the beginning of a career defined by service, responsibility, and purpose.

Each of you made a deliberate choice to pursue a career in law enforcement at a time when we see fewer people willing to do so.

That choice alone speaks to your character.

But you didn't just choose this profession, you chose to serve the citizens of Greensboro.

And that matters.

It is more than a symbol of authority.

It's a symbol of trust.

Every time you put it on, you are being entrusted by this community to do what is right.

Often in the most difficult and uncertain circumstances.

You will meet people on some of the worst days of their lives.

In those moments, how you respond, your professionalism, your empathy, your integrity will define not only you, but this entire department.

But it will also provide you with opportunities that few other careers can offer.

The opportunity to truly make a difference.

Never lose sight of why you started, and never underestimate the impact you can and will have on others.

I also want to take a moment to recognize the people who helped you get here today.

To the family and friends of our graduates, thank you.