Policing the streets during a normal day is not easy. Add the COVID-19 pandemic and officers have even more of a hardship for law enforcement as now they must deal with another form of officer safety—their own health and the risk of exposure to their families. The mental and physical strain can be taxing but some departments and communities are trying to show their appreciation for first responders bringing a silver lining into each day, offering encouragement. For example...
In New Mexico, a couple of communities are taking extra steps to ensure their law enforcement personnel are well taken care of. The Village of Ruidoso has a tight-knit community where local businesses have been donating food to local law enforcement and masks have been handmade and distributed to officers by those in town in support of officer safety.
Dino Sgambellone, Police Chief of the Los Alamos (NM) Police Department said several local businesses have dropped off items such as coffee and one has provided lunch for each employee working. “We regularly enjoy a great deal of support from the Los Alamos Community," said Chief Sgambellone. “Our County Council and County Manger have been vocal in their appreciation for the first responders.”
The 100 Club of Arizona, a nonprofit organization, has done its part to support first responders by developing an app with mental health resources and recommendations for how to handle COVID-19. The app was originally developed late last year for law enforcement and fire but has been recently updated and enhanced due to COVID-19. Law enforcement officers and their families can access the designated police app, “bulletproof” for information regarding precautions as well as mental health support and other health services.
Hunt County in (north) Texas, is participating in the North Texas Giving Day Now which will accept online donations starting April 14 to provide funding for COVID-19 relief efforts. The Dallas Cowboys, the Communities Foundation of Texas, and the United Way Metropolitan Dallas will hold an event on May 5 to raise funds for first responders and some nonprofit organizations that may have been affected by the pandemic.
Setting the standard
It’s important, though difficult, to remain upbeat in times when circumstances are not ideal. When law enforcement has a positive outlook in their community it gives hope to others around them. In the same way, when a community comes together and supports their local first responders, through small, yet significant gestures, it makes all the difference in the world and can boost officer morale helping mental health and their outlook.
Chief Sgambellone says he regularly communicates his thanks and appreciation for each employee. “Together, as a team, we have stepped up to meet this challenge as we honor our commitment to those we serve.”
By helping each other and finding good aspects to focus on, throughout each day, it can boost morale during these devastating times. To overcome the stress caused by COVID-19 we must all do our part to help each other. Local law enforcement has to be on the front lines no matter what the circumstance may be, and with the support of their own communities, it can make the situation less bleak.
How is your community showing appreciation for your agency? Share some thoughts in the comments section to give other departments and their communities ideas.
Hilary Rodela
Hilary Rodela is currently a Surveillance Officer, a former Private Investigator, a former Crime Scene Investigator, and Evidence Technician. She worked for the Ruidoso (NM) Police Department as well as the Lubbock (TX) Police Department. She has written for several public safety publications and has extensive law enforcement and forensic training and is pursuing forensic expertise in various disciplines. Hilary is a freelance public safety writer and curriculum developer for the National Investigative Training Academy.
