Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr. was in attendance at Wednesday’s meeting of the Fostoria Neighborhood Association, where residents from across Vicksburg came together at Oak Hall Bed and Breakfast to talk about safety.

The meeting stemmed from three incidents of gunfire in as many days on the roadways surrounding the neighborhood and brought together homeowners, members of the Vicksburg Police Department, elected officials and other concerned citizens.

“I was moved by the stories I heard last night,” Flaggs said Thursday in a statement. “Listening to parents express their desire for safe neighborhoods where their children can play, and hearing residents speak about wanting to feel secure sitting on their front porches, emphasized how vital this issue is. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own community.”

Flaggs said he is dedicated to making sure safety is a top priority in his administration.

“I work by the philosophy of listening, learning and leading, and (Wednesday’s) meeting gave everyone in attendance the opportunity to do just that,” he said. “We listened to the genuine concerns of our residents, learned from each other’s experiences and now we can continue to lead the change that will bring greater safety to our community.”

Flaggs commended Vicksburg Chief of Police Penny Jones and her administration for participating in the meeting.

“The police department’s presence was crucial not only in explaining their procedures, but in demonstrating their commitment to partnering with the community to make our neighborhoods safer.”

In an effort to further strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community, Flaggs said he is encouraging residents to participate in the Vicksburg Police Department’s Citizens’ Academy, which begins Tuesday, Oct. 15. The Citizens’ Academy offers residents an in-depth look at the department’s mission, vision, values and day-to-day operations, as well as its policies and procedures.

“This program allows residents to gain a deeper understanding of how the department operates and helps build trust, respect and a stronger connection between the Vicksburg Police Department and the citizens it serves,” Flaggs said. “It’s a great opportunity for our community to continue the momentum from (Wednesday’s) meeting and stay actively involved in making our city a safer place.”

Anyone interested in taking part in this year’s’ Citizens’ Academy can pick up an application from the front desk at Vicksburg Police Department, located at 820 Veto St. The deadline to apply is Friday, Oct. 11. For more information, calls may be directed to 601-636-2511.