Human Library Series: Get to Know Law Enforcement
Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 2:00 pm
Johns Island Regional Library
Participate in the Human Library, a new series intended to combat intolerance by creating a safe space for interested members of the community to engage in open, honest and respectful dialogue with individuals who have been exposed to prejudice or stigma. The third series session features a panel discussion with retired police officer Kay Wang, along with Lieutenant Rita Zelinsky and Officer Terry Cherry.
Visit the CCPL website for details about future sessions and special guests.
(Image credit: CCPL website)
Kay Wang: Kay Wang’s parents immigrated from Shanghai, China. Wang joined the U.S. Army in 1966 to fight in the Vietnam War as a combat infantry foot soldier, and he eventually served as combat photographer and journalist. After 26 years of service, Wang retired with the top enlisted rank of Command Sergeant Major. He later joined the City of Charleston Police Department and performed various duties on the sea islands during his years of service, including mounted horse patrol, transport officer, school resource officer and patrol officer. Prior to his retirement from the Police Department, Wang was named Community Police Officer of the Year. He remains an advocate for immigrants moving to the area and currently mentors children of immigrant families.
Rita Zelinsky: Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Zelinsky graduated from The Citadel and joined the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office in August 2003 as a patrol deputy. In 2007 she became a detective specializing in crimes against children, vulnerable adults and sexual assaults. A member of the Lowcountry Sexual Assault Response Team, Zelinsky developed and implemented policies and techniques for responding to and investigating sexual assaults in the Lowcountry. She is the assistant Public Information Officer, handling media contacts and requests for public information. She is also one of the team leaders on the Crisis/Hostage Negotiation Team, the Honor Guard Team Commander, a Crisis Intervention Instructor and a member of the Peer Support Team.
Terry Cherry: A community oriented police officer who has been with the City of Charleston Police Department for more than 6.5 years, Cherry has served on James Island and Johns Island as a patrol officer, neighborhood action team member, and Team 3 investigator. She is a member of the LGBTQIA and Latino liaison committees within the Police Department and was named Police Officer of the Year in 2017. Officer Cherry currently serves as the City of Charleston Police Department’s Police Recruiter, tasked with attracting and retaining qualified applicants to join the CPD organization.