Last night we reported on the Christmas initiatives organized by the Salvation Army and the Red Cross. Well, today, the police department has also joined in to give back to the community. Police officers from Precinct 1 are working on a house project for a Partridge Street Extension resident.
81-year-old Edna Arnold has been living in her house for about 6 years - but it's been a challenge for the octogenarian to keep up with repairs. And so now the police are doing it for her. Today with the assistance from these officers, she can finally hang her Christmas lights. I met the very free spirited Edna today.
Courtney Weatherburne reporting
Edna Arnold sits in this wooden armchair every day for her bible and prayer sessions. And also finds enjoyment in crafting these stylish handbags.
Edna lives a quiet and solitary life in this home but the condition of her house has made it difficult for her to enjoy her personal time.
But that is about to change. Community Police Officers from Precinct 2 are transforming her space.
Jermaine Neal, Community Policing Officer - Precinct 2
"We are trying to give back to the community in this initiative with elderly people. It's the Christmas season coming and we have selected an elderly person out of the community. Every year we do it. We try to renovate something for them, either their house, or just painting. In this case we are doing a verandah trying to uplift the appearance of the house and as well better structure for the house."
Sgt. Brent Hamilton, Officer in Charge
"This is a way of bridging the gap and saying to our community that you know what we are cool and it's strictly about love. That's all what we are trying to do; love our community."
And that community love came as a surprise for Edna.
Edna Arnold, Partridge Street Resident
"I never expected this, really. It's when I see the police come the first day, I was frighten. I say what is the police doing here because I didn't do anything. When he came in and introduce himself and he tells me about it, I said oh, well I am glad for that because I am here and the woodlice and I live together. I said thank God. I can't do anything and when I could help people, I help. But people are mostly helping me and I don't like that because I am not only supposed to get, but I must share as well, so I share when I could. I say, that's why God have blessed me."
Jermaine Neal, Community Policing Officer - Precinct 2
"This is not the last time she will be seeing us here. We will come and revisit her, making sure that she is doing okay."
Arnold also received groceries, a mattress and other house supplies. These officers want to continue this initiative and are planning to reach out to the Jane Usher residents during Easter 2015.
Email
Print