Elementary Students Hand Deliver Valentines to Police Department

Pink and red construction paper with little messages and police cars drawn on them filled a large, decorated box three elementary students carted into the police department on Friday, full of hand-made valentines from Bonham, Crockett, Reagan and Bowie elementary schools for each of the officers. 

The valentine cards are the first initiative of a new group forming to underscore appreciation and support of local law enforcement officers. The group has yet to be named, but was born in the aftermath of widespread mistrust and negativity toward police following the events in Ferguson. 

“Pam Robinson thought of the idea,” said Anne Bramble. “We started bouncing ideas around and invited some of the police wives in to get their input as to what we could do. They came up with some really outstanding ideas, the first one being getting the children involved.”

With many children growing up in fear of police, Bramble and Robinson agreed that involving local kids in activities surrounding the police force was integral to their goal of fostering solid and positive relationships between the community and the police. 

 “Basically it’s a reaffirmation that we are appreciated, we are blessed to have the relationship with our community that we have,” Chief of Police Tim Vasquez said as the children presented him with the box. 

The students then passed out those special valentines to the officers in attendance, while Chief Vasquez promised the remainder would be delivered to those unable to attend, and expressed what an honor it is to serve the children.

“It makes us feel good; it shows that we are appreciated, especially when it’s from kids. You can’t get any better than that,” detective Jeremy Cannady said upon receiving his handcrafted valentine, which depicted a crayola rendering of a lake patrol boat with a K-9 on board.

"This made my day," officer Tracy Gonzalez exclaimed as she held hers.

San Angelo has never actually had a citizen-lead organization supporting the Police Department continuously throughout the year.  The group’s main focus is to establish a line of appreciation between the public and local law enforcement, with examples of ideas such as police/family picnics, and discounts from area businesses. Bramble said they welcome suggestions, ideas from the public, and encourage others to join.

The group is hopeful about future endeavors, and will hold its first meeting Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. in the conference room at the Police Department, 401 E.Beauregard.  Anyone that is interested is encouraged to attend.