Officer Freeman, assigned to the Central Patrol Station, has been an Patrol Officer at
Central for 12 years and works the Near North Side Neighborhood. During her
time she has made outstanding relationships in the community. One of them is with
Mr. Pena , whom she checks on from time to time. Recently, she observed Mr.
Pena in need of dire assistance. Officer Freeman took to Facebook and
posted a picture with her and Mr. Pena with the following message:
“I need a Christmas miracle...this is Mr.
Pena, a citizen friend in my beat who I check on time to time. He's a proud and
strong 75-80 years old young man (he won't tell me his age lol). He needs a new
wheelchair...anybody know anyone who may have a gently used one or somewhere I
can find one cheap. The foot rest thingie is broken and he keeps hurting his
feet (he's already healing from a broken leg) and the wheels don’t work well
either. He was also asking if anyone knows anyone who maybe able to fix the
hole in his roof and maybe help around the house a little.
Any help will be greatly appreciated. Please
pass on to your church/friends.”
Officer Freeman was able to work with Officer
Vogelsang of our Homeless Outreach Team to get a wheelchair for Mr. Pena. The
HOT Tram also provided a warm jacket and blanket for Mr. Pena. Captain
Guinn-Shaver of Central Patrol reached out to Walgreens located on Studemont
and Washington and they provided numerous gifts (wheelchair cushion,
cookies, pants, and socks) to make his Christmas one he will never
forget. This is a great example of excellent community policing and using the
tool of social media to assist our wonderful community.
