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Police, community members recognized for their work combatting youth violence

Police said community partners like Liberty Mission Church are a crucial piece in reducing youth crime.

WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — Saturday, individuals from DC's Deanwood Community, DC Fire and EMS and DC Metropolitan Police were honored at Liberty Mission Church for the work they’re doing to curb violent crime in the area. Specifically, youth crime.

“Together we can go far. That was the theme today," said Donald Ross, the Pastor at Liberty Mission Church. “We’ve had this vision and understanding when we first came to this community in 2017, that if we are going to make a difference in this community we’re going to have to partner with people.”

Like 6th District Commander Jaron Hickman with DC Metro Police who came to show his support.

“I think it bridges that gap so the community can see law enforcement and the church is out there in the community and we all have the same common goal," said Hickman.

"The police have made it clear before, that we have to work together because we have a different effect on the youth than they do. It just takes everybody," said Ross.

RELATED: TRIGGER Project holds festival to end gun violence in DC

Over the winter, Ross celebrated seven teens involved in the church’s TARGETSS program which stands for Teaching Against Rage, Guns and Embracing Tolerance and Social Skills.

"We have one of the highest crime rates, gun violence, so get involved in programs like this because that's going to keep you out the way," said Holden Crocheron, who participated in TARGETSS.

RELATED: DC gun violence prevention program celebrates graduates

Police said community partners like Liberty Mission Church are a crucial piece in reducing youth crime.

“It’s something that you can do without getting paid for it," said Hickman. "It makes you feel good when you take a young kid you see going on the wrong path and have them do something positive.”

An effort Ross says has been encouraged by DC officers.

“They’ve been saying lately they need the church leaders, community leaders because we have a certain report with people and kids in the community," said Ross.

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