As a community, we come together to support our cause, celebrate our successes, and recognize those who give so much of themselves for the greater good of humanity.
Greg Alia Award: This is our most prestigious award, given to a police officer who has demonstrated excellence in community engagement and community service. The award is named after Officer Greg Alia who made the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed in the line of duty on September 30, 2015 in Forest Acres, SC. This award is presented to an officer who, like Greg, exemplifies values of compassion and service; who goes above and beyond to treat all with dignity and respect; and who demonstrates deep love and care for the community where they serve.
Community Champion Award: Public safety is the result of both traditional police and criminal justice systems working in partnership with various community organizations and stakeholders. The purpose of the Community Champion award is to recognize an individual and/or organization that has made a significant impact on public safety by working with police to address critical needs, build trust, increase access to resources, and assist with problem-solving. A strong candidate is one who has a sustained commitment to working alongside police and public safety partners to promote safe communities.
Agency Community Leadership Award: This award is presented to a police agency/department that has demonstrated excellence in community policing. A strong candidate is one that engages a comprehensive community policing strategy to include a range of programs, initiatives and outreach strategies with agency-wide participation. Furthermore, agencies should collaborate with diverse stakeholders (e.g., education, faith-based, nonprofits, city/council services, etc.) in efforts to promote public safety, and be able to demonstrate a strong track record of building and maintaining community trust. Agencies are invited to submit nominations on behalf of their department; nominations from the public are also welcome.
Philanthropy Partner Award: Philanthropic partners play a critical role in facilitating community policing efforts by offering vital support to purchase resources, conduct outreach initiatives, host events, and more. The intention of this award is to recognize a philanthropic partner, such as a business, individual, foundation or other, that has played a vital role in supporting an agency in their community outreach efforts. Agencies are encouraged to submit nominations for this award to recognize outstanding philanthropic partners.
Nominations are open to the public! Each packet must include: 1) contact information for both the nominee as well as the person submitting the nomination; 2) a letter detailing why this candidate is deserving of this award; and 3) a letter of support from the nominee’s department (for the Gregory Alia award). Supporting documentation (e.g., news articles, pictures, letters of community support) are also welcomed and encouraged.
Our mission was born from a profound sense of loss and heartbreak. After the passing of my husband Greg, the chasm of divisiveness and the negative narrative surrounding police and community deeply affected me, amplifying my grief. But in those times of darkness, our community rallied, wrapping us in love and affirming that Greg’s service and sacrifice were truly valued. This support laid the cornerstone for my healing journey. Our story is a testament to the power of human connection, a truth that is present in communities around our nation every day. Greg once shared a profound insight, saying, “For every one negative story you hear, there are thousands of positive stories happening every day that go unnoticed.” Now, even years later, I continue to see the truth in his words as police and citizens unite daily to foster safer, healthier, and happier communities. This year at Illuminight, we are ushering in an era of wonder and enchantment, themed around a whimsical enchanted magical night. We will celebrate the stars among us – our partners who are crafting compelling tales of hope and healing that often remain unsung. These narratives sparkle with positivity and are the foundation of the transformative change we see shaping the pathway for a better, united future.
Join us for a captivating evening of inspiration, adorned with the magic and charm of an enchanted night, and let’s fuel our mission for a brighter tomorrow, together. Every story of hope and healing we spotlight is a step towards rewriting the narrative and showcasing what is truly possible when we unite as one community.
Together, we are better.
Together, there is hope.
With deep thanks, Kassy Alia-Ray Founder & CEO Serve and Connect.
Raised by a single mother, Deputy Chief Emada E. Tingirides is a native Angeleno who spent most of her youth in Watts and Southwest Los Angeles before moving to Chatsworth for her middle, high school and college years. The daughter of a Nurse Practitioner and grandchild to both a Los Angeles County Sheriff Corrections Officer and a teacher of 35 years, Emada decided to become a police officer and serve the city her family had called home for generations, following the civil unrest of 1992....
Lynnsey Gardner Baker is an award-winning journalist and communications professional with nearly two decades of experience in journalism, government and law enforcement media relations, and strategic communications. As a Director at NP Strategy, she uses her investigative expertise and storytelling skills to help clients craft impactful messages that drive results and build trusted relationships, helping clients navigate complex communication challenges. A nationally recognized investigative journalist, Lynnsey’s work has earned her three national Edward R. Murrow Awards and three Emmy Awards. During her time at WJXT-Jacksonville...
