Safety is Everyone's Responsibility!

February 2008 Meeting Notes

The February Meeting was held in the pouring rain at the Chelmsford Police Department. Rain or shine, our meetings always go on! The Guest Speakers were Ofc. Julie Colburn and Ofc. Jack McCarthy of the Boston Police Department. Both work in the Family Services Unit and provided the members with not only valuable information as to the extra steps BPD takes in ensuring that their Officers & Families are properly handled in the city hospitals, but they also are an excellent resource for ANY officer who may need assistance in the city during a time of need. 

The Family Services Unit is different from the Stress Unit in that they deal with any direct injury caused by an incident. The hospital setting can be stressful enough and the Unit provides the Officer with the comfort of knowing that his/her family will be properly contacted and taken care of once arriving at the hospital. The Unit is currently made up of four patrolmen and one sergeant and at the current moment, they tend to the 2,200 sworn personnel and 1,600 civilians of the Boston Police Department.

The Family Services Unit is also available to Officers from outside agencies. They often act as hospital liaisons and will make visits to the families in the hospitals. The Unit may also provide some assistance with the ever-increasing parking fees or assist with City accommodations for those who will be staying for an extended amount of time. The Unit is there for any Officer who needs them and works to accommodate any need that may arise.

This was a great meeting for everyone! Special thanks to Ofc. Bob Barry for making the connection!