Your Take: What Do You Appreciate About Tri-Cities Police Officers?

Did you know that this week—May 13-20—is officially Police Week in the United States? According to PoliceWeek.org: 

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Currently, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

In the spirit of the week, we reached out to our St. Charles, Geneva and Batavia Patch readers on Facebook and asked what they appreciate most about the various Tri-Cities police departments. Here’s some of what readers shared with us: 

Jessica Ledlow Silha: “Tim Baker changed my life. I am forever grateful!” – Geneva Patch Facebook 

Barb DeLacey Kautz: “My thanks to the GPD for keeping our community safe and always being right there when you need them! Officer Jackson's warm and friendly attitude commands a sincere respect from the younger generations as well as, us older folks, who appreciate the time he takes to stop and say hello. Thank you!” – Geneva Patch Facebook

Justin Eggar: “We have a great police force here in town—we're blessed to have the dedicated officers that we do.” – Geneva Patch Facebook

Kristin Gehrels: “I appreciate the help we received properly installing our child's car seat.” – St. Charles Patch Facebook 

Steve Martin: “For the residents of St. Charles to better understand all aspects of its Police Department, they offer a Citizens Police Academy. I was a part of the 1999 Academy and learned a great deal about our department and police operations, and gained an enhanced appreciation for the men and women serving our community as police officers. If you haven't already gone through this program, I highly recommend that you do so in the future.” – St. Charles Patch Facebook

Tom Gorr: “The wonderful community outreach work that many of these dedicated officers do (on their own time) to foster better community relations with residents, especially with the school age children. I do not want to slight any of these good people by singling out just one of them but Officer Nallenweg is an excellent example of this and jumps to mind because of the positive impact he has had on both of our children through his work with the Alice Gustafson School! Thank you to all members of the BPD for helping make Batavia a great, safe, and fun place to raise a family!” – Batavia Patch Facebook

Pam Youngberg DiDonato: “When we were new to the area, my husband was pulled over. The officer could not have been friendlier, more respectful, and even pretty funny. Even though my hubby had made a mistake and was in the wrong, it was good to know we had moved to a great town! And yes, he only gave him a warning, even better.” – Geneva Patch Facebook 

Jo Dennis: “I was just going to say Officer Jackson too. On more than one occasion he has help us out with skateboarding kids using our office handicap ramp as their private skate park! I appreciate that the Police in our town treat our citizens with respect. There is also one officer who came by my house after I called about some kids in a car smoking pot in front of my house. He was super professional, but I am afraid I can't remember his name.” Rachel Davis Zonts I attended an Internet Safety presentation by Office Sullivan and it was awesome! Her knowledge and tips will be very helpful to keep my kids and myself safe online!” – Geneva Patch Facebook

Rachel Davis Zonts: “I attended an Internet Safety presentation by Office Sullivan and it was awesome! Her knowledge and tips will be very helpful to keep my kids and myself safe online!” – Geneva Patch Facebook

Mary Magill Craft: “Make sure you don't forget about our State Police and other municipalities such as Aurora PD. They do fantastic work… Tito took care of us.” – Geneva Patch Facebook 

Katy Linn: “The community service officer that has helped me get my keys out of my car!” – St. Charles Patch Facebook 

Sue Clark Trillet: “Professionalism with compassion.” – Batavia Patch Facebook

So what’s your take? Tell us in the comments!