Selma Police move bike giveaway to Aug. 6 with Back to School event

The Selma Police Department and Selma Fire Department have teamed up to give bikes and other toys to kids in the community as part of the fourth annual giveaway in honor and memory of fallen officer Marquis Moorer.

Moorer, who was shot and killed in July 2021, had a love for bikes, said detective Travion Hodge.

“He was a joker person, always laughing, always smiling,” he said. “When you were around him, you had a good time.”

Selma Code Enforcement Department Director Hatwatha McGhee said Moorer was instrumental in starting the bike giveaway. “The first one was just two weeks before he got killed.”

Normally the giveaway is held July 27 each year, which is the day Moorer was murdered in 2021, according to McGhee. But this year weather pushed the giveaway to a new date that will coincide with the Back to School Giveaway celebration Aug. 6 at Bloch Park from 5 to 9 p.m.

Selma Assistant Fire Chief Walter Daily said the Back to School Giveaway “will be a fun event. We’ll have backpacks full of essential back to school items for the kids.”

Aug. 6 is the National Night Out with local law enforcement which is observed across the country. McGhee said officers from the SPD will be there to meet the people of the community to let the community get to know them.

Daily said the Selma Fire Department will be there too with firetrucks on display. “We’ll be hanging out seeing the kids seeing the community, let them put a face to us because we are more than just a big red truck.”

There will be games, bouncy houses in which the kids can jump, and a dance off. The event will also include hot dogs, hamburgers and even bar-b-que ribs. 

SFD Sgt. Jeffery Harrison said they would like to get more bikes donated. “The more we have the more we can give out. We’re also taking up money. If anyone has bikes or toys to donate, please bring them to Selma Police Department Code Enforcement building.” Code enforcement is located at 19 Washington Street across from the former Washington Street Grocery.

You can also call McGhee at 334-876-1105 to arrange to make donations or to get more information.