172536_CPCA_2020_Spring Magazine - Final | Page 21

Recently, the Eureka Police Department learned of a sweet woman
named Helen Sweezo who lives in Eureka. Helen was turning 100
years-young on Monday, April 27th. Two of Helen’s favorite things
are riding in one of the old cars that participates in the City’s annual
Rhododendron Parade, an event she eagerly looks forward to every
year, and gatherings with her family and friends. Helen was supposed
to ride in the Rhododendron Parade and have a big birthday celebration
at the Eureka Woman’s Club over the weekend. Unfortunately,
because of the current COVID-19 crisis and shelter in place orders,
both events were canceled. Helen never doubted she would live
to see her remarkable 100th birthday and the grand party it would
include. She was also extremely excited about this year’s Rhododendron
Parade. COVID-19 was not going to ruin Helen’s special day.
EPD’s Crime Analyst/Public Information Officer, Brittany Powell,
decided to work with Helen’s family and our community partners
to coordinate a small Rhododendron Parade in Helen’s honor.
Helen’s daughter set her up in a comfy chair on their front lawn
and we brought the parade to her! The Eureka Police Department,
Humboldt Bay Fire Department, Humboldt County Sheriff ’s
Office, Old Town Rotary Club, Eureka Woman’s Club, other caring
members of our community, along with many of Helen’s friends and
family paraded by her house in her honor on Monday at 1:00 PM. We
wished Helen a very Happy Birthday, but I think she made our day
even more than we made hers.
SPRING 2020 | CALIFORNIA POLICE CHIEF 21