Love in Action: Alumni Backs the Blue
Submitted by Rose Swafford, MCPAAA
Created to support and assist the men and women in blue since 2016, the Mobile Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (MCPAAA) members are from the city’s own communities. They have graduated from the Citizens Police Academy. During the 11-week course, there is a lot to learn about the police department, from the various units to the different community programs that aid Mobile. Many, upon graduating from the Citizens Police Academy, join the Alumni Association to begin helping and supporting these brave officers who serve the Port City. Yet despite all our efforts, there are only a handful of officers that know who we are or what we do. The question we always asked ourselves is: “How do we get the officers to know about us?” The answer: “We go directly to them.” An idea that was suggested by Dell Sawyer, one of our members. With the help of our MPD Liaison Lieutenant Sean Black, we are able to hold our meetings at different precincts. By doing so, we can meet more officers and introduce ourselves and what we do. Sometimes we see firsthand how our contributions provide the officers a small comfort of what they need. Of course, we certainly do not show up empty handed. I mean that is considered rude, especially here in the South. So, we bring cake and snacks for the precincts. During our meeting, we discuss everything and anything MPD related –whether its projects, events, or figuring out what items on the wish list we can get. Basically, it’s all about how we can assist the department. We have learned that sometimes the simplest things make a big difference. About two years ago, MCPAAA began the wish list. This is an ongoing list that the precincts add items to, which are outside of what the MPD budget cannot O N E S H I F T M AG A Z I N E - 1 2
provide. Such things we have purchased for precincts in the past have been microwaves, ladders, uniforms for the EOD team, and a lightweight protective vest for K-9 Unit. However, this is not all we do. We also assist by providing the manpower to events such as The Chili Cook-off, S.W.A.T Mud Run, Christmas Party and the threeday event of “Feed the Cops” during Mardi Gras. These are just a few of the events where we are able to assist. During our last Mardi Gras, we learned we had officers that couldn’t leave their post for drinks or a quick snack. In true MCPAAA fashion, our volunteers gathered up drinks and goodies and walked around the city to reach the officers that were smack in the thick of the crowds. We may not have taken over his duties, but we were able to provide a smile and a drink. While some uniform officers have seen us serving refreshments and sweet treats at promotions and graduations, we are so much more than that. We are a dedicated and resource group of volunteers that Back the Blue. We love and support our MPD. This year we hope to do so much more for our beloved department. With so many events returning this year, we look forward to really doing what we love — supporting our Mobile police officers!
