For the men and women who voluntarily respond to police emergencies as Anne Arundel reserve officers, the recent donation of new life-saving equipment was a welcomed upgrade to their current resources.
“I think reserve officers deserve anything we can get them. Without them, this county would be in trouble,” said Joe Cifala, of Edgewater, the vice president of the Southern Police Reserves Foundation, which allows residents and corporations to make tax-deductible donations to the police department.
The foundation on Wednesday gave the Anne Arundel police department several automated external defibrillators for cardiac arrest emergencies as well as upgraded first aid medical kits, navigation systems and strobe lights.
Reserve officers currently carry basic first aid kits, but the new medical equipment provides better tools for medical emergencies.
“I saw a need for additional upgraded equipment during events monitored by reserve officers, and sworn officers as well,” said Todd Harper, an Anne Arundel reserve officer and former firefighter who established the foundation in 2007.
“The foundation is an avenue for the public to donate to the needs of the reserves.
“The county does the best [it] can in supplying uniforms and equipment … These items are just the icing on the cake that makes our jobs easier.”
Nearly 60 Anne Arundel reserve officers volunteered 20,000 hours this past year, providing extra police support at public functions and drunken driving checkpoints. Their volunteer hours saved taxpayers almost $400,000, according to the county police.
“It’s all about giving something back to the community. A lot of people think we’re on payroll, but we’re all volunteers,” said Reserve Officer Edward Peckman, of Davidsonville. “What sends chills down my spine is when somebody comes in and says thank you.”
The equipment will be divided among the department’s four districts countywide to better prepare reserve officers to support law enforcement.
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