The killing of five Dallas police officers happened far away from here, but local residents want Oak Harbor Police to know they’ve got their backs.
Since the incident July 7, the local police department has been inundated daily with cards, flowers, pizza, muffins and all manner of other tasty treats, including, yes, dozens and dozens of donuts.
Officers have found painted rocks outside the department that call them “heroes” and children even put together a police “survival kit” with candy such as Life Savers “to remind you how many times you have been one,” according to the attached noted.
The interim police chief Terry Gallagher said they appreciate the support.
“I like those rocks,” he said. “They are setting them on the parking strips and not throwing them through our windows.”
More seriously, the police chief said the goodies were a sign of something he already knows — the relationship between Oak Harbor police and the people they protect is better than one might think after watching national TV news.
“There’s no question there are issues in some areas,” he said. “But here we’ve enjoyed strong support from the community.”
This week, Oak Harbor officers were authorized to wear a special mourning badge acknowledging what happened in Dallas.
The chief told officers that while there are a few bad apples among police — as with any group — the majority are “hard-working, honorable people that deserve the support of this community.”
And they are definitely getting it.
One note left with officers said: “We know this is a difficult time for all of you, as well as your families. It is heartbreaking to watch our country struggle over these issues.”
One of the people delivering goodies was Sandi Peterson of Oak Harbor. She represents the North Whidbey Republican Women, a conservative political group with chapters all over the country. Her organization regularly brings gifts of appreciation to the police department. Now more than ever, a box of cupcakes and a kind word or two are necessary, she said.
“We always care for them,” she said. “I thought it was important to make sure they know they’re loved.”
Most people don’t take time to recognize the people who put their lives at risk to take care of the community, she said.
In a sense, it’s sad it takes something like this for people to remember, she said.
