El Dorado County Sheriff's Office 2019 Annual Report | Page 55

To Our

Community

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Most anyone in law enforcement is led to this profession by a desire in our hearts to serve; a servant's heart. We care and show compassion to others in their most trying times, never expecting anything in return. In the wake of tragedy, in our hardest days, we were overwhelmed and humbled by the immediate and continuous support the citizens of El Dorado County showed. This county is full of those with that same desire to serve others in need.

The outpouring of kindness you bestowed upon us left lumps in our throats and tears in our eyes. What followed was a seemingly endless supply of food, cards, ribbons, and financial contributions for the Ishmael family. The sea of blue ribbons, flags, fabric, tablecloths and any other blue item that could be found in stores was wrapped around the county in support of our fallen.

We received generous donations from our local businesses, organizations, and our citizens – some with little to spare. At one point, a woman of little means came into our lobby and donated a few dollars. Reminiscent of “The Widow’s Offering” of Mark, Chapter 12 in which she dropped two small coins into the treasury. Jesus recognized her efforts in that she gave all that she had.

The amount of food and drinks donated brought comfort in those long, subsequent days. The financial support provided to the Ishmael family was beyond generous and unexpected. But the waves, smiles, pats on the back and support of one person to another in a time of tragedy is what makes this community so amazing.

We are beyond humbled to serve you.