City Donates Security to Graham Crusade

The Police Department gave generously last week to the Rev. Billy Graham’s four-day Central Valley Crusade.

Police Chief Jerry Dyer said the threat of a terrorist attack on a gathering of 40,000 to 50,000 Christians a day outweighed the need for event organizers to hire additional officers. About 75 officers were used each day, costing the city about $78,960.

“It was an attempt to thwart what could have been a target,” Dyer said. “This was the largest Christian gathering since the attacks, and Dr. Graham is a friend of the Bush family.”