Police commission approves permit for Aug. 27 vigil on Elm Street at South Avenue

At its June 18 meeting, the Tyler Camp Police Commission approved a request to hold an annual vigil on Elm Street at South Avenue on Wednesday, Aug. 27, with a rain date of Thursday, Aug. 28, the organizer told the commission.

The event organizer said the ninth annual vigil — a remembrance and recovery vigil that drew about 500 attendees last year — would run from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., and that organizers would work with town departments to close the street for the event. "When people are standing up and sharing their stories of recovery ... it saves lives," the organizer said.

The commission member present said staff would coordinate with the traffic department and noted the fire department had been asked to assist with banners and equipment. "We'll work with the traffic department to close it off," the commission member said.

During the meeting the commission moved to approve the permit; the motion was seconded and carried. The motion text and the names of the mover and seconder were not recorded in the public comment transcript. The organizer said the vigil typically includes music and speakers and that the next-day rain date would use the same hours.

Organizers also told commissioners they will continue coordinating logistics with town staff to secure necessary approvals and services; the commission member said staff would follow up with the organizer. No ordinance or statute was cited during the discussion.

The commission also handled routine business at the meeting, including approval of earlier minutes and other administrative items, before and after the permit vote.