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Community Appreciation
Our community shows their appreciation for the Burlington Police Department in many ways. Below are just some examples of the kind words and thoughtful acts shared with the department or specific members to show the support and involvement we have with our citizens.
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- Mr. G contacted administration to say how grateful he was to retired Captain Smith and Officer Gardner for their assistance in a personal family situation. He stated that he contacted Capt. Smith, and Ofc. Gardner was the responding officer who assisted him with his issue. He was very grateful for their assistance and concern.
- Our thanks to Pinnacle Financial Partners for dropping off some pizza for the department's lunch. PFP graciously dropped off lunch as a way of showing their appreciation for the department.
- Ms. P dropped off a Christmas card for Ofc. Juarez. She wanted to thank him again for unlocking her car door after she had locked her keys inside.
- Ms. L dropped off a Christmas card and a $100 donation to Cops Care on behalf on her mother Ms. J. Ms. J resides in an assisted living facility and wanted to make a donation to the program in honor of the kindness that Ofc. Christian has shown her over the years.
- Mr. D came by the police department wishing to thank officers for all their hard work and to wish us all a Merry Christmas.
- The Blessed Sacrament 3rd grade class brought cookies for the department. They are discussing community service in class and wanted to thank the department
- Ms. A called Administration on behalf of Ms. B. She wanted to say how much they appreciated Ofc. Christian coming to Ms. B's home. He came out on both Saturday and Sunday and blew some leaves for Ms. B, who is older and unable to do such things on her own. Ms. B said it was a pleasure and and honor to have Ofc. Christian come out and help her. She, also, wanted to say how important it is for older and younger people to have contact with each other.
- Email regarding Ofc. Arcos - "Hello Chief, I had an experience last night with one of your officers that I would like to tell you about. Last night around 11:30 PM my house alarm went off. I live alone and have had an experience with my husband that a restraining order is in place so you can understand how scared I was. When the officers arrived they were absolutely wonderful and made sure everything was okay. I did not close the door all the way and the wind blew the door opened. A few minutes later Officer Arcos returned to tell me that my gate would not close all the way and was concerned that my dogs could get out of my yard. I was so impressed with this young man. In the few minutes we spoke, he recognized right away a very upset and nervous woman and because of his genuine care and concern had the ability make me feel safe. Not to mention the fact that he cared enough to come back for the safety of my dogs. In the past several months, because of my situation, I have had quit a few interactions with several of your officers. Each and every one of them make me proud to say I live in the city of Burlington and I am protected by the best police department in the country. You should be very proud!! Thank you for all you and your department do. Warm regards, J"
- Administration received a call from a Mr. B who was involved in a car accident. According to Mr. B, Ofcs. S. Harris-Stewart and J. Baer arrived at the scene to assist with the accident and complete the crash report. He stated that both officers were very professional, polite, extremely kind, and understanding. He stated he could not let this opportunity to pass by without contacting the chief to advise him of the excellent work done by the "dynamic duo".
- Mr. T called administration to advise the chief of what an awesome and professional job Ofc. S. Elliott did when he was called to the location of their car accident. According to Mr. T, he was very impressed with Ofc. Elliott and could not say enough about how happy both he and his wife were with the way he handled the unfortunate incident.
- Ms. R called Administration to comment on how professional, great, good, and kind Ofc. Smith was to her on Friday when she had an accident. She stated she was very about the accident, but Ofc. Smith's composure calmed her down and made the incident more pleasant both for her and the other involved party.
- A card was dropped off at the desk for Officer Brian Farmer to thank him for his professionalism and extreme kindness the other day when a citizen had a heart attack at a local restaurant. Officer Farmer arrived as EMS personnel were trying to revive the patron. According to Mr. S’ daughter, Officer Farmer stayed with her mom the entire time and while he comforted her, he, also, made certain to shield Mrs. S from witnessing the revival attempts on her husband. The professionalism, kindness, and humane treatment that was rendered to her mother during the sad and tragic incident will never be forgotten by the family members.
Faye Boswell, a local author, published a collection of poems entitled "Beyond Simply Being".
Included in this collection is a poem written as a tribute to law enforcement, "Their Lives for Ours":
Included in this collection is a poem written as a tribute to law enforcement, "Their Lives for Ours":
When was the last time you considered?The risks a law enforcement officer takes?We expect them to perform to perfectionWith little or no room for making mistakes
Optimistically we rise daily, routine chores a givenDressed up, dressed down, or in our Sunday best.Not law enforcement who must wear uniforms,Guns, hand cuffs sometimes bullet-proof vests.
We go about our work or play dayHoping no violence or crimes we see.What comfort in knowing we have law enforcementLaying down their lives for us, if need be.
We have no worries knowing help is a call away.And at day's end we will return safely home.Law enforcement officers' duties do not end at sunsetSome of them do not live to go home.
Wonder if they think of this when leaving home for workSaying goodbye to family, with sworn duties to perform.No safety net is guaranteed to thoseWho choose to wear a law enforcement uniform?
"Thank you" seems too simple and wholly inadequateNo pay check large enough to payThose dedicated men and women facing crisis controlEndangering their lives for us every day.