Officers Who Serve are Built With Heart BY BILL WESTENBERGER
he’s not traveling to devastated communities, in his time When people see an officer, they may see only the off, he supports those in need locally, by working with uniform, badge and other tools the officer needs to do other organizations to help the homeless. his or her job. Oftentimes, what they don’t see is what A more localized case includes a teenager is underneath the gear. They don’t see the person, the experiencing a mental crisis, leaving home and one who has a family, dreams, desires, stress, personal walking down a busy road. The family called us in setbacks and successes. People forget that a police officer need, even though they did not trust the police. The is a person with a life, just like those they serve. officer was able to locate the teenager, spend a great However, sometimes people have an opportunity to deal of time in communication and see an officer’s heart. Unfortunately, enjoy a meal together. those situations rarely make the front Recently, two officers working The heart that page or the lead news story. There’s together noticed an item had fallen no doubt that there have been officers finds a way to from a vehicle, shattering glass over that should have never worn a badge. the road. The officers recognized that put others before But, in my 30 years of service, I’ve been it being the weekend, city clean-up fortunate to rarely see or work beside themselves, and resources were minimal. They located such a person. will run into danger brooms and dustpans to clear the road. I want to paint a different picture Without a citizen noticing and taking of the officers I have seen. It’s one when others need the time to commend the officer, I that is built with heart. The heart would probably have never known. to escape it. I’m speaking of is not an organ; it is I later learned that one of the same the heart that builds a foundation officers was helping a resident, who had to support courage, overcome fear, been living in unsanitary conditions, find assistance. recognize injustice and do what’s right in every way. The I could go on with account after account of officers heart that finds a way to put others before themselves, serving in ways most of us would never hear about. and will run into danger when others need to escape it. Without someone else telling their stories, we would I’m proud to know many examples of officers showing know nothing. Many officers are shy to know they’re their hearts, and some more recent cases. being recognized for what they do. So, the next A few years ago, one of our officers started a time you see officers, think of these stories that lie foundation that restores dignity to those in need. It underneath the gear in their big blue hearts. began when storms and flooding tore a community apart Until next time … stay safe. in a neighboring state. The officer got a friend, truck and a boat, and he went to the area to help where he could. Through his ability to recognize needs in several ravished communities and his passion to serve, he solicited help Bill Westenberger has served as chief since 2008. from businesses and built a foundation. Through the He was given the 2019 Kennesaw Citizen of the foundation and his vision, he has a truck to wash clothes Year Award. and a shower trailer for victims and responders. When
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AROUND KENNESAW | October 2021
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