Page 43 - December 2020

CPD officers support seniors during coronavirus outbreak
As cities across the world called for citizens to shelter in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19, first responders stepped up to the front lines to ensure the safety of those in need.
In many Chicago Police Department districts, officers have made a point of reaching out to those who need help most by per- forming regular wellness calls to senior citizens in isolation.
Officers from the 6th, 14th, 15th and 16th Districts have been making calls to check in with seniors, and officers in the 15th Dis- trict also delivered care packages to the most vulnerable popula- tions in April.
Districts celebrate heritage with Black History Month events
A group of about 50 seniors watched intently, a few of them in tears at times, as Harriet Tubman’s life played out before them in the 2019 film “Harriet.”
When the movie screening concluded, moved audience mem- bers asked where they could buy a copy of the film. And they thanked CAPS Officer Roderique McClain, the 7th District’s senior citizens liaison, for putting together such a memorable experi- ence.
This is what McClain set out to accomplish when he arranged the screening at a local senior facility, complete with popcorn to achieve a true theatergoing experience. But the event became so much more than a celebration of Black History Month.
Officers throughout the city celebrated Black History Month with various events and remembrances, but CAPS and district-led events went beyond simple commemoration. They inspired re-
flection, encouraged a little fun, generated important con- versations and continued the ongoing mission to build rela- tionships.
“We care about our heri- tage,” said 3rd District Youth Liaison Officer Delbert Howell, who organized the fourth an- nual Know Your Heritage Trivia Bowl. “In order to know where you’re going, you have to know where you came from.”
A doggone good day in the 14th District
Paw prints filled the 14th District lobby on Feb. 29 as officers opened the doors to families and their pets for its first-ever Dog Wellness Fair. The event, which was first held in the 11th District, gave low-income families the opportunity to receive free care for their dogs, including checkups, nail trimmings and even microchip implanting.
The first Dog Wellness Fair in the 14th District began with Lieu- tenant Dany Helwink-Masters, who made it her mission to contin- ue this uplifting and fur-friendly event after transferring from the 11th District.
The 14th District partnered with the Anti-Cruelty Society, whose animal caregivers volunteered their services to a day of giving back to families and the dogs
they love. The Dog Wellness
Fair also offered dog owners the opportunity to set up appointments to get their dogs spayed at no cost.
“It was busy pretty much all day with people coming in,” said Officer Linda Ro- sales, who was among the many 14th District CAPS officers who participated in the community event. “We liked spending the day with the animals and getting to know the community.”
All smiles in the 18th District
A gift with the name “smile kit” is sure to evoke just that — a stretch of delight across the face. When officers in the 18th District received their kits on April 14, protective masks concealed their grins, but the coverings couldn’t hide the officers’ excitement.
“It’s wonderful,” Sergeant Chris Schenk said. “I don’t have the words to express
my gratitude.”
Mia Banks, a student at Chica- go High School, packed up brown paper bags with N-95 masks, hand sanitizer and bot- tles of Vitamin C sports drinks as part of her “Stay Safe and Smile Campaign,” which aims to help offi- cers stay protect- ed while battling COVID-19 on the frontlines.
Known for supporting Chicago police during the most difficult of times, the 100 Club of Chicago did its part to provide a morale boost to officers with the April launch of the #100ThankYousChallenge.
The social media campaign encourages people to submit photos and videos to the 100 Club, which shared on May 5 what was more than 100 messages of gratitude for police officers and all first responders.
100 Club leads effort to say ‘thanks’ a bunch
Officers in the 19th District also re- ceived uplifting words from one family who dropped off a letter with some good- ies and a photo of their dog in a CPD shirt.
“Thank you for being lifesavers...we know how tough it is out there right now. Thank you for all your hard work,” Julianna Shewchuk and her family wrote in a letter.
In the 24th District, CAPS officers beamed as they posed with handmade
cards sent in by Misericordia residents. Local Boy Scouts got in on the shot as well when they planted a “We Salute You” sign among silver and blue pinwheels outside headquarters.
“We greatly appreciate the love and sup- port,” the District tweeted in a thank-you of its own to those thinking of officers in the 24th.
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