Redmond Woman Shows Police Appreciation With Art

REDMOND, WA - A city woman who recently went on a nighttime ride-along with Redmond police made them a unique thank-you gift - an artistic representation of her experience spending time with officers.

The woman was impressed, in particular, watching an officer handle an interaction with a lost senior citizen, which is the scene depicted in her illustration.

Redmond police posted the illustration on Facebook Friday, noting that the woman, named Terry L, was a participant in the department's citizens police academy. The academy is a 12-week course that allows citizens to get an idea of how police work is performed.

Here's the note Terry L. wrote to police when she sent the illustration:

"Sorry it's a late note, but I really like to show my appreciation to the female officer who showed me the way into the station and the officer who drove me around the city last Friday night. Thanks to them, I had a great time seeing how the night patrol works. (Sorry I was too exciting for my first ride so I didn't remember their full names)

"It was a really unique experience for me to see the progress of a night patrol. I didn't really know what to expect in this event and was nervous in the beginning. Until later on, there was a confused elder who got lost and came to our police car and asked for help, and the officer really presented his patience and professionalism to solve the problem. I must say I felt touched by what I saw that night, I have elders at home, and it would be heartbreak to think if it was my family who got lost in the cold night. Fortunately the officer was able to find a relative’s address of this poor old man and drive him home. I was glad it was a happy ending.

"I am appreciative to have had a chance to join this class. It's really opened my eyes. I think most of entertainment/news media today love to show the powerful side of police force to the audiences, and therefore, lots of people are unable to see the friendly jobs of the police. This class is a good chance to close the gap between citizens and police, and makes people more comfortable when calling 911 and reporting problems.

"In the end I just want to say thank you to Redmond police department, your team is a big reason why residents can feel safe to work and live in this city. You guys are cool.

"I hope you all safe and sound while duties."

Sincerely,

Terry L.

Image via Redmond Police