Police Chief Collier on Gun Violence Prevention in Cocoa

Cocoa Police Chief Evander Collier IV will speak tonight at "Beyond the Bullet: Voices Left Behind," an event honoring gun violence victims and promoting prevention strategies.

The event runs from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Real Church, 509 Blake Avenue. The Real Church is partnering with the national Wear Orange campaign, which honors victims of gun violence.

Chief Collier will discuss how gun violence affects neighborhoods and families, drawing on his experience as a former homicide supervisor. He will address the challenges officers face responding to violent incidents and the importance of prevention, education, responsible firearm ownership, and community partnerships.

Adult speakers who lost loved ones to gun violence as children will share their personal experiences and the lasting emotional, social, and economic impacts on their families.

The Cocoa Police Department will hold a Gun Buyback Event on Friday, June 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Save-A-Lot Plaza, 1208 Dixon Boulevard. The buyback allows residents to surrender unwanted firearms anonymously.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Cocoa Police Department at 321-639-7620.