Following Saturday’s massacre in Pittsburgh at The Tree of Life Synagogue, Burbank’s Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy joined forces with the Burbank Human Relations Council and several local clergy to host a prayer vigil on the steps of Burbank City Hall on Tuesday, October 30.
Gabel-Luddy, along with Marsha Ramos and Mike Chapman of the Burbank Human Relations Council, opened the event at 5:00 p.m. They introduced Burbank Police Chaplain Rabbi Mark H. Sobel of Temple Beth Emet, who offered a welcome and prayers for the community.
A few inspirational songs were performed for the crowd. Everyone in attendance were given candles to be lit at the conclusion of the event.
Rabbi Richard Flom and his wife Lynn Kronzec read the names of the departed from the Pittsburgh massacre. They are also former members of the Tree of Life Synagogue.
Hebrew school students from the fifth and sixth grade and their family members from Burbank Temple Emanu El walked to the vigil from the Temple located at Bethany and Glenoaks.
Burbank Police Chief Scott LaChasse recounted the Pittsburgh police officers actions on the scene of the Tree of Life mass shooting on Saturday, October 27.
LaChasse read the Police Officers’ Creed: “As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind; to safeguard lives and property, to protect the innocent against deception, the ‐weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the Constitutional rights of all men to liberty, equality and justice.”
“I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all, maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn, or ridicule; develop self‐restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed in both my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the laws of the land and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity ‐will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty.”
“I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, animosities, or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities.”
“I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of the police service. I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself to my chosen profession… law enforcement.”
Burbank Police Chaplain Father Jose Poch of Saint David’s Episcopal Church led the gathering with The St. Francis of Assisi Prayer of Peace.
The Reverend Paul Claireville, who is President of the Burbank Ministers Association, spoke as well and offered hope for the gathered.
Local and State Representatives were in attendance and spoke to the crowd, including State Senator Bob Hertzberg, State Senator Anthony Portantino and Assemblymember Laura Friedman.
The event closed with the singing of “God Bless America” and the lighting of candles. People hugged each other and talked with fellow participants.
