Simantel recently received an invitation to a really important community event, and it came from some really important people: Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis, Peoria County State’s Attorney Jerry Brady, U.S. Attorney Jim Lewis, Chief of Police Steve Settingsgaard and Peoria County Sheriff Mike McCoy. Needless to say, you don’t turn down an invite from this group.
They asked us to hit the streets with them for National Night Out. It is a nationwide event that promotes neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. Simantel team members currently working on the Don’t Shoot initiative were excited to go out and talk with people in our community most affected by gun crime. It was a powerful night filled with hope and anticipation for the future of our city—a future where gun and gang violence is rarity on the streets of Peoria.
