172536_CPCA_2020_Spring Magazine - Final | Page 15

No Matter What – We Stand United
By: Roberto Filice
Assistant Chief – Salinas Police Department
Undoubtedly, COVID-19 has affected communities all over the world. As people were grappling with the uncertainty
of the future, communities were facing the harsh reality of the unknown enemy that was killing family
members, friends, colleagues, and strangers.
One constant among communities is the resiliency of
their people and that is what makes this country
strong. Americans are fighters. We will never give
up without a fight.
After the adjustment of having to shelter-in-place, not having a job
to go to, not receiving a paycheck, people turned to law enforcement
for a sense of security. They needed to know that everything was
going to be okay.
Salinas was no different than any other community. The community
sprang into action when it realized that people needed help. They
realized that people needed various forms of supplies. As is the
case in most communities - one of the key supplies needed were
face masks.
Unscrupulous people were charging astronomical prices for simple
masks made of cloth. At a time where people were the frailest, they
resorted to fraudulent activities to sell masks at an inflated price.
The Salinas community would simply not stand for that. The Chinese
Parents at Stevenson School partnered with the Salinas Police Department
to give away free masks. In about two hours, 5,000 residents
of Salinas received these masks.
The Salinas Police Department receives outstanding support from
the people it serves.
In another instance, knowing that our officers were having difficulties
locating hand sanitizers, A&O Specialty Pharmacy delivered some
of their team compounded hand sanitizer! Their generous offer
included over 40 individual bottles for our officers.
Given the directives from the governor to shelter in place, most
restaurants were not able to serve their clientele but could not provide
food to go either. That did not stop one of our local establishments
from thinking of our officers. One day, The Salad Shoppe surprised
our dayshift officers with lunch.
It is often in these trying times that one realizes how wonderful it
feels to be appreciated. We, at the Salinas Police Department, feel
very fortunate to have such a supportive community. They never stop
reminding us how much they appreciate our services.
What we shared are just some examples of the special rapport that
we have with our community. As any officer knows, to serve and
to protect is truly a calling. Throughout the country, we have lost
brothers and sisters that paid the ultimate sacrifice for serving and
protecting their communities.
We shall not forget that community members have also lost loved
ones to this invisible enemy. As we mourn together we forge
stronger relationships. One day the tears will give way to smiles
and our children will return to the playgrounds, people will return
to their daily activities certain of one thing: no matter what, we
stand united!
SPRING 2020 | CALIFORNIA POLICE CHIEF 15