Kassy Alia to Host Event Calling for Change on the Anniversary of her Husband’s Death

"Compassionin Action" Starts Saturday at 10 a.m.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)- The wife of murdered Forest Acres Police Officer Greg Alia is taking the anniversary of her husband’s death to call for change.  Saturday marks two years since the officer was killed while on duty, now his widow Kassy is calling for our nation to unite through compassion.

“In memory of this second anniversary, this very grim anniversary, we need to stand together saying we are not going to wait for tragedy to show that we are united and committed to change,” said Alia.

Alia said when her husband was killed two years ago, she felt the need to call for empathy.

“At the time, it was specifically around the negative focus on police because I felt like with the divisiveness, I felt like his service and his sacrifice weren’t valued,” said Alia.

Alia said it was through the compassion shown to her by others, she learned the importance of understanding one another.

“I experienced firsthand the power of compassion, I saw it. This community lifted up my family and I. As we were leading up to the two year anniversary, I felt like the message was needed more than ever. I would’ve hoped to look back and see us less divided but we are only more divided,” began Alia. “So I know the importance of empathy and I know how I would have hoped that Greg and I would have been treated during that time and I believe that if we are going to call for empathy for one, we need to call for empathy for all,” said Alia.

Sentiments echoed by Alia’s friend and one of the many speakers at tomorrow’s event, Shea Harley.

“I want to show everybody that we can support both sides because if a police officer loses their life, we should mourn. If a citizen loses their life, we should mourn as well. So what made want to get involved is an opportunity to be a part of that change that needs to happen,” said Harley.

Alia believes that change will happen through communication. “It’s just one step, it’s just a rally but I hope that by taking these small steps, we can further explore how to make true and meaningful change together and it starts with having conversation.”

“Compassion in Action” kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday and ends at 1 p.m. Guests include a number of community organizations, police departments and Governor Henry McMaster.