Burleson Police To Hand Out Gift Cards
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BURLESON (CBSDFW.COM) - The Burleson Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association is paying forward the community's support and generosity.
Between the tip donations and a portion of the nightly proceeds from Grumps Burgers, the BCPAAA brought in $4,600 at the Sept. 21 Tip A Cop fundraiser.
The BCPAAA, a 501©3 non-profit organization, is using the funds raised to not only maintain the police department's bicycle unit and honor guard, but also to kick start a new program, Operation Helping Hands, which supplies officers with gift cards to hand out at their discretion.
"The officers can use the cards, as needed, when they come upon someone who the officer believes is truly in need," Sgt. B. O'Heren, coordinator of the department's Citizens Police Academy and Citizens On Patrol program, said. "These officers often spend their own money buying someone gas or food or finding a place for them to stay to get them away from a bad situation."
Each Burleson patrol officer, traffic officer and community resource officer will be assigned two meal cards, two $10 gift cards, and a $20 gift card.
The cards are tracked and replaced when needed.
Through Operation Helping Hands, the BCPAAA and Burleson Police Department also made arrangements with a local hotel to provide a room if the need arises.
"We, as an organization, are hoping to lessen the financial burden of these officers by supplying the gift cards," Amy O'Heren, president of the BCPAAA said.
The purpose of the BCPAAA is to continuously present and promote a positive image of law enforcement, the Burleson Police Department, and their constitutionally mandated functions; and to promote public awareness by serving as ambassadors in supporting the Burleson Police Department.
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