SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Police and Fire Departments are working together to help their fellow brothers and sisters in blue in Florida, in wake of the effects from Hurricane Michael.
On Wednesday, all police chief’s throughout Massachusetts received an email from Chief Michael Bennett of the Templeton Police Department in Templeton, Mass. Bennett informed the chiefs that Captain Rich McClanahan of the Panama City Beach Police Department had asked for assistance, since Panama City Beach has been directly affected by the storm.
Bennett is friends with McClanahan and when he learned of the situation in Florida he wanted to help in some way.
The donation trailer is parked outside the Southwick Police Department for the community to donate to. (Photo from Southwick Police Department)
First responders in areas like Panama City, Panama City Beach, Mexico Beach, and Lynn Haven have lost almost everything and the Panama City Beach Police Department is accepting any donations. McClanahan informed Bennett that the Panama City Beach Police Department is seeking toiletries, household goods, baby supplies, and any nonperishable foods, with a strong emphasis on bottled water.
“After seeing the request, I felt the need to do something for our first responders in Florida,” said Southwick Chief of Police Kevin Bishop. “I reached out to Southwick Fire Chief Russ Anderson and he readily agreed that we should do something.”
The two chiefs agreed that they would put a trailer out in front of the police department, which will be open 24 hours a day and seven days a week until October 31 at 8 a.m. The trailer has been open since Thursday afternoon.
Until then, anyone who would like to help can drop off donated items right inside the trailer. There’s no need to bring anything inside the police station. Bishop also noted that children are welcome to send a note of well wishes or encouragement to the police officers and firefighters in Florida. There will be a box in the trailer to drop letters in.
On October 31, both Southwick Police and Fire will gather up all of the donation items and letters from the trailer and deliver them to the Templeton Fire Station. On November 1 the Templeton first responders will load all the donations from across the state into a truck which will make its way to the Panama City Beach Police Department.
Bishop added that checks and gift cards will also be accepted and made out to PCB Care Inc. – Law Enforcement Only. For those donating a check, drop it off inside the Southwick Police station at the dispatch window. Checks can be mailed to 17115 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL 32413.
Since the trailer opened on Thursday, donations have already begun coming in. The Southwick Police Association has also donated $250 and two local businessman have donated $200. With the trailer parked right outside the police department, Bishop was able to see people donate items.
“It was encouraging to see citizens come in and drop off items,” said Bishop.
The two chiefs in Southwick are hoping the community will help with this effort.
“Fire Chief Anderson and I challenge all of our local police departments and fire departments to step up and donate so that we can help support our brothers and sisters in Florida,” said Bishop.
If they’re any questions or comments about donation drive, contact the Southwick Police Department at 413-569-5348.
