Bolivar hosts block party to celebrate 1,000 days without a homicide

BOLIVAR, Tenn. — The city of Bolivar reached 1,000 days without a homicide and celebrated the milestone with a community block party.

Community leaders said the achievement was a team effort between local police, the mayor, city council and Bolivar residents.

Safety initiatives

Mayor Julian McTizic said the city implemented several programs to reach the milestone.

“We implemented our Safe Streets Task Force, started getting involved in our community, doing some more community policing, enforcement on the violent criminals, and doing what we can to make sure our police department as well as our citizens were in sync, working together to keep our community safe and make them as safe as we can,” McTizic said.

The block party at Sand Beach Lake featured face painting and temporary tattoos by the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse. Bolivar police grilled hot dogs and burgers. Families enjoyed live music and bounce houses.

Brandon Burvee with the Carl Perkins Center said the event aligned with Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, so we’re excited to partner with the city for this event to celebrate the milestone that we’re at with this but to also spread awareness for child abuse prevention, we’re here doing face painting, giving away information about the center, just telling people what we do and what services we offer,” Burvee said.

West 10 also participated in the event, raising money for Autism Awareness Month.

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