Chaplaincy group with ties to police charged in Manuel Ellis death loses city contract
News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash. 1 day ago Stacia Glenn, The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.)
Jun. 15 A Community Trauma Response Team meant to help Tacoma residents deal with grief hit a roadblock before it was ever activated.
On Tuesday, city officials gave notice of their intent to cancel a $126,804 contract with Tacoma-Pierce County Chaplaincy after several people expressed concern that the group was raising money and accepting cards of encouragement for three officers charged in the death of Manuel Ellis. Even the appearance of some foul play is enough to make the community trust go down, Jeffrey Sargent, a member of the Community s Police Advisory Committee, said during a Monday night meeting. And so we need to respect that and honor the community because this is not for us. This is for the community.