In the current difficult economic environment we hear statistics every day about unemployment rates, programs being cut, and some elements of our social safety net being eliminated.
As you would expect, many of those impacted have contact with our department. This week I want to share a story about one of those contacts. It is both positive and troubling, but it speaks to the fragility of some people in our society and the difficulties they face, in good times and bad. The story also demonstrates how Kent’s small-business owners, even in these tough times, are able to step up and do the right thing.
Earlier this spring, we received a call about an abandoned vehicle on the street just off of Pacific Highway on the West Hill. An old brown Dodge van had been sitting there for a couple of days. The officers found a man near the van, who said he was getting some gas and would have the vehicle moved by the next day.
The information was passed on to Officer Jonathan Crane, so he could check on the situation again. More than two days later, the vehicle was still there. In keeping with our policy, Officer Crane placed a warning tag on the van, prior to having it towed away.
Another two days later, the van was still there, so Officer Crane took steps to impound the vehicle. Before he called for a tow truck, he checked the van one more time. This time the man was in the driver’s seat and there was a woman in the passenger seat. The man shared that although he had managed, in the past four days, to put a few gallons of gas in the van, it would not start.
The man explained that they were passing through Kent when the van broke down, that they were homeless, and his wife was in the advanced stages of multiple sclerosis and had to use a wheelchair. They said there were no shelters available to couples, and he was her only caregiver.
Officer Hans Mak contacted Stan Lee of SeaTac Automotive to see if they could offer any help. After learning about the couple’s situation, Mr. Lee brought a gas can and some money and gave it to Officer Mak, who left to get more gas for the couple. Meanwhile, he spoke with the couple about their van.
Officer Mak said that Mr. Lee, along with mechanics Aaron Fuller and Lo Saechao, took it upon themselves to bring the van into the garage where they repaired the fuel system and a water leak, making the van safe to drive. The gas was added and the couple thanked the mechanics and the officers profusely. Soon they were on their way.
It would have been easier and faster to just tow the vehicle, but of course the human outcome would have been much different. Officer Mak mentioned that it was a good opportunity to show how we as police officers go beyond just arresting the bad guys in order to serve the community and people in need. All of the officers involved were impressed by how our local businesses go above and beyond.
The end of the story isn’t all positive, of course. This couple is still homeless, and she still suffers from MS. They chose to go down the road, perhaps to seek shelter with relatives or friends.
Among all the statistics and news coverage of people in need, stories like this remind us why it’s important to remember that our officers deal with real people every day. Their discretionary decisions can make a real difference. It’s also a great reminder of the many caring people in our business community.
Now, go and make a donation to the food bank and have a good week.
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