Thank You, Washington Court House Police Department | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Thank You, Washington Court House Police Department

From 60 kids who used to be afraid of you.

41
Thank You, Washington Court House Police Department
Gabriella Ater

You're probably wondering what this is all about, and it is a great pleasure that get to share this story with you. I work at The Well at Sunnyside in the summer for the Kid's Cafe program. The kids that come to this program are all from different areas of life. Some of which are terrified of law enforcement because of previous events in their young lives.

It has been a dream of mine, and two of my other co-workers, to have the police department here in WCH have a relationship with these kids. After summers of attempting to build this friendship, it finally happened.

Last Friday, three police officers, Mat, Adam, and Trent, came to The Well for Kid's Cafe. They were dressed in normal clothes- t-shirts and shorts, and brought a football. They introduced themselves as volunteers, which the kids were used to, so they didn't think anything of it. They had no idea these men were in law enforcement. Mat, Adam, and Trent got a huge game of back yard football going and the kids loved them. They considered these guys their friends from the start. Little did they know, there was more to them than they realized.

Fast forward to the next Wednesday. We're all outside, and a police cruiser pulls up and turns on its sirens. Some of the kids, terrifed of the police, all for different reasons, ran to the back of the yard. Some even went inside the building. All were curious why the cops were there and who was in trouble.

The doors open and three guys step out of the cruiser. Mat, Adam, and Trent. The kids quickly realize that the same guys who were here just last week playing football with them were actually police officers.

The looks on their faces were priceless. The kids began to realize that the only difference in their new friends was the clothes they were wearing--the uniforms. They understood now that police officers are people outside of their job and that they are perfectly capable of having friendships with them.

The way the officers cared for these kids and took the time to build friendships with them was heart-warming and beautiful. Before this, these kids didn't consider law enforcement friends. They saw them as the people who were around when bad things happen...now they realize that is all wrong.

We all see and know about the horrible events happening in the world when it comes to law enforcement. We constantly hear about the "bad cops" on social media and on the news. But I'm here to tell you that is not the case when it comes to all cops. There are police officers who are taking time out of their days to build friendships with 60 kids in a summer lunch program.

So thank you Mat, Adam, and Trent for your kind hearts and your love for kids. This is something these kiddos will never forget. And thank you Washington Court House Police Department for teaming up with us to make this happen. We can't thank you enough.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

184042
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

10519
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

454773
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

24651
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments