San Antonio Police chior singers give back to the community

SAN ANTONIO — National Police Week is underway throughout the nation paying tribute to legislation enforcement officers who’ve lost their lives in the line of responsibility.

Here at residence, a few of our very personal San Antonio law enforcement officials are utilizing their voices all year spherical to honor fellow fallen officers but additionally to discover particular methods to build a relationship with our community.

With 19 years on the pressure, Sgt. Kelly Bender is not any stranger to responding to calls. But, this name to service has a distinct tune.

“They said they were going to start a police choir. And I thought, well, that’s interesting,” Bender mentioned. “That was it. I was hooked. “

“We’re extra than simply what you see on an episode of Cops,” mentioned Sgt. Brad Westmoreland.

They are cops who like to sing. Just ask Officer Nick Soliz.

“Guys are available in and are like hey officer, you already know this tune? And I’m like yeah then we begin busting it out,“ Officer Soliz mentioned.

Belting it out inside SAPD headquarters, you’ll discover the Blue Line Choir. A gaggle made up of 13 sworn San Antonio Police officers led by the UIW Chairman of the Music Department, Professor William Gokelman who volunteers his time. 

“Honestly, it was I thought about how could I give back? How could I serve? You know, the police officers serve every day, they’re out there doing the work. And this was a way to just sort of give back is to say thank you.” 

For Patrolman Steve Albart, it’s a life lengthy ardour. He grew up singing.

“I came out of college with a music education degree and then went right into policing after that,” Albart mentioned. “This is my way of contributing back to the community and enjoying it.”

Officer Robert McDonald says he too grew up singing however enjoys the fellowship that’s a part of the police pressure.

“I enjoy the camaraderie and the fun that we have,” Officer McDonald mentioned.

“It’s just a getaway,” For SAPD Detective Kristeena Rodriguez she enjoys the music and the break, “You know, for me, from the force, from being a mom.” 

And Officer Gloria Belcher agrees including with laughter  “It’s a warm feeling. So I like all these nerds.”  

The Blue Line Choir was began 10 years in the past. Sgt. Brad Westmoreland says all of it started with a dialog between Police Chief William McManus and one other Sergeant.

“He was at a get together with our Chief McManus, and our chief leaned over to him and said, Hey, do we have a choir? And he said, no. And he said, build me one.”

Soon after Westmoreland mentioned he was recruited by one other founding member.

“My buddy Steve Abbott would say, hey, let’s go do this, because he knew like we would go and sing karaoke together and so it was like the rest was history.”

Abbott continued to discover gifted officers on the pressure together with Rickeesia Moore.

She says he challenged her throughout the coaching academy.  

“He said I bet you won’t sing while you’re getting tased,” Moore recalls. “Since it was a dare, I used to be like, properly after all I’ll. While I used to be bodily being tased and he was like, wow, that is nice. By the approach, we’ve got a choir,” laughed Moore.

Sadly a couple of years in the past, the staff lost Abbott to most cancers however they proceed his legacy.

“Oh, individuals are amazed,” Moore mentioned, “People don’t expect a whole crowd of police to come into a space and then to stand there and start singing. That’s not what they’re expecting when they see a big crowd of police officers,”

They carry out at memorials, Spurs video games and even sing Christmas carols at childrens’ hospitals. 

On their off-duty hours, they get collectively and rehearse twice a month in the evenings. The group says it’s a giant dedication. They’re normally booked for the complete month of December acting at completely different public occasions.

“Just to be able to kind of just bring music to children who are unable to exit the building for whatever reason, we kind of bring the music to them. And so it’s just a really neat experience.” Albart mentioned.

Leaning on their abilities and utilizing the voice behind the uniform to build a relationship with the community.

“I think it just shows a different side of police officers,” Sgt. Bender said. “You know, we’re not out there just arresting everybody like we are humans, too. We have individual unique gifts and talents that we bring to work.”