DALTON, Ga. — Bishop Stephen Thomas says he thinks things are going well between law enforcement and the larger community in Dalton and Whitfield County.

“We want to keep it that way,” he said. “We want to be proactive rather than reactive.”

That’s why he and the Community Fellowship Church have asked other churches to join them in an event that will bring the community together with law enforcement personnel on Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Mack Gaston Community Center pavilion.

Dalton Police Chief Jason Parker and other officers have agreed to take part, and Whitfield County Sheriff Scott Chitwood and some of that department’s deputies will be there as well. And Thomas says everyone is invited.

“As a pastor, I feel like it is part of our responsibility to help bring our community together,” Thomas said. “I’d like to get all of the pastors and churches in this area, and really the whole community, involved in this.”

The event will feature a chance for community members to meet and talk to local law enforcement officials and ask questions of them.

“We are also going to be cooking hot dogs and other stuff,” Thomas said.

Thomas said the main goal is to make sure the entire community is communicating.

“Blue lives matter. Black lives matter. All lives matter,” said Thomas.