Page 12 - FEB2024

Page 12
Community
By Donna rhoDes
Since Joseph Guerriero was sworn in as chief of the Hill Police Department last Octo- ber, he has managed to not only perform the standard duties of a police chief but also as a very community-oriented officer. He has also held presentations about scams people should be aware of, attended town events where he has been able to meet many residents, and is even planning a bicycle rodeo for kids this spring. His latest initiative is “Are You Okay?” a program designed to ensure the safety and well-being of the town and those who live there.
Several years ago, Guerriero said he worked as a dispatcher in Massachusetts, where they offered the “Are You Okay?” program as a means to check on their senior population and those who lived alone. Each morning, at a designated time,
NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM February 2024
Empathy in Action:
Exploring Hill's 'Are You Okay?' Program
they would call those who en- rolled to say hello and ensure they were okay. If no one an- swered, they would call back a short time later, and if there was no response, their emer- gency contact person was no- tified. An officer would also go out to check on them in person and get any help necessary if there was an issue.
Guerriero said that after speaking with some of the se- niors in Hill who live alone, he found there was a need for “Are You Okay?” there, too. He then decided to contact the company and ask about what it would take to set up their ser- vice in the community.
While talking with the com- pany's owner and explaining the rural nature of the small community and its populace, the man generously offered to donate his software to Hill. All the town would need to do is
603-
purchase the modem for the system. When he met with se- lectmen, the chief was pleased when they agreed to make the purchase.
As he awaits the modem's arrival, Chief Guerriero is busy spreading the word about the free service.
“This is going to be a really great asset to the Hill commu- nity. There’s been a lot of inter- est in it already,” he said.
Those interested can begin registration now by filling out a form that will provide the police department with their name, address, and phone number. They will also be asked for the name and number of an emer- gency contact, whether that be a relative, neighbor, or anyone else his office can call if needed. A list of any pets in the home is helpful as well, should someone needtogotothehomefora welfare check.
“It’s just good to know there’s a dog inside and if they’ll be okay if we have to go in,” the chief explained.
Registrants then choose the time that best suits their morning routine so the police department can give them a friendly call each day.
Guerriero said he is excited that the Hill Fire Department is stepping up to support him with this program as well and will conduct any welfare checks if he is unavailable.
“I think this is a really cool partnership. Nine times out of ten, it will most likely be me who does this but there are times when I’m tied up in court or dealing with another emer- gency, so it’s great that they’re willing to help,” he said.
Ideal participants for the program are those who live alone and are elderly and/ or may have a medical issue
or physical limitations. Short- term checks for those returning home from a stay in the hos- pital or a rehabilitation center can also be beneficial for resi- dents of any age who also live alone.
“It’s open to anybody who wants that reassurance that somebody is checking on them,” the chief said. “It’s all controlled by the user. We’re willing to do this however they want.”
To enroll in “Are You Okay?” residents can simply stop by the Hill Police Department for a registration form or have some- one pick one up if they don’t have transportation. Anyone who has questions or would like more information on this free service for the Town of Hill is asked to call Chief Guerriero on the department’s non-emer- gency line, 603-934-6437.
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