Above / Located at 1350 Aurora Avenue, the entrance to the Naperville Public Safety Center is where visitors will see a memorial dedicated to the men and women who have served the Naperville Police Department and the Naperville Fire Department. Every visit is a reminder that keeping our community safe is everyone’s responsibility.
Considering some of the weekend’s national headlines regarding law enforcement officers who lost their lives while in the line of duty, let us note Naperville citizens appreciate public safety.
Since the early 2000s, a tribute with sculptures depicting police officers and firefighters with children has stood at the Naperville Public Safety Center, located at 1350 Aurora Avenue and supported by Citizens Appreciate Public Safety (CAPS). CAPS is a Naperville community group that recognizes public safety personnel in the Naperville Police Department and the Naperville Fire Department for their service and courageous contributions to the City.
Thank you, First Responders!
‘Tis the season also to shine a light on the good deeds local police officers do for the community above and beyond their daily duties to protect and serve.
Just as most of us, first responders have causes and charities they support, especially during the holidays.
Later this month, for instance, local officers in the generous giving spirit again will participate in their annual Shop with a Cop. This service is a time when Naperville police officers will underwrite the cost of shopping with families and children so they can select presents for family members, folks who have been pre-identified because they are experiencing some sort of hardship this year.
Earlier this year, our pages featured the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics as well as Cop on a Rooftop at Dunkin Donuts, also to raise awareness for Special Olympics.
Several years ago, Crime Prevention Specialist and PN Columnist Julie Smith wrote a column that focused on “Two Words.”
To create better understanding, Smith also noted that an important thing to remember is that we’re all human. “Police officers face the same hurdles in their respective lives that the general public faces in theirs and they take the same pride in their profession that others take in theirs,” Smith wrote.
That message in “Two Words” is reposted below in appreciation for all police officers who help keep our community and every community safe.
“Two Words”
There are two words that when put together mean many different things to many different people. Two words that can put smiles on people’s faces or anxiety in their hearts. Two words that might strike hatred in some and respect in others. Two words that are more than just words.
They are a title, an occupation, and a career.
Better yet, they are two words that describe a lifestyle. A lifestyle like no other for the men and women who chose to place a badge on their chest and promise to serve and protect. A lifestyle that may require that person to in a split second save someone’s life or take someone’s life while risking their own. A lifestyle that requires that person to face good and bad every single day that others don’t see. A lifestyle that asks that person to wake up every morning without the assurance they will come home at night.
Two words mean all that. Two words that should forever be remembered.
Those two small words are Police Officer.
—Author unknown
CAPS annual recognition welcomes input from residents
Furthermore, every year, Naperville residents are invited to nominate public safety employees who have displayed an interest in individuals in a manner above and beyond the call of duty; brave and selfless men and women who have exhibited a genuine concern for the welfare and well-being of all Naperville citizens, all ages.
Local residents sit on the CAPS Board of Directors who meet to discuss and decide on specific incidents and actions, accomplished throughout the year by Fire and Police Department personnel, that deserve recognition.
Nominations are solicited and welcomed from the community all year round, so keep track of the those random acts of kindness from the city’s public safety employees.
A CAPS Awards event honoring the Naperville Police Department is held annually in May, followed by a CAPS Awards event honoring the Naperville Fire Department in October. The public is always welcome to the recognition dinners, historically held at the Pavilion of Meson Sabika.
Meanwhile, during this holiday season when time with family and good cheer are top of the mind, consider with gratitude that members of the police and fire departments are dedicated to keeping everybody safe around the clock.
—PN
RELATED PN POSTS / Below the photo of the sign are links to columns about public safety with an abundance of good advice.
For instance, during this holiday season, especially, remember Crime Prevention Specialist Julie Smith’s recommendation regarding purchases/exchanges prompted by an internet contact. It’s prudent to make the transaction in a parking space under the bright lights outside the Naperville Police Department.
“Focus on Safety,” columns by Julie Smith for the Naperville Police Department
“Prevention 24-7,” columns by Soraya McLaughlin for the Naperville Fire Department
