As I reflect on 2006, I am reminded of what a great year it has been for me working with all of you, the wonderful citizens of the 4th District.
All of you have truly made it a pleasure for me to put on my uniform each and every day that I come into work.
The overwhelming support I’ve received throughout the year, and continue to receive form all of you is incredible.
I cannot think of a single time that I’ve called on any of you for donations, community support for events, or volunteering of your personal time, and you all have not stepped up to the plate and offered your support.
Throughout the year I’ve organized many community events; most of the events where for the benefit of the young people. I came to realize quite quickly how much the community takes a strong interest in our children.
So many businesses, some within the 4th District, many not within the 4d parameters, have donated thousands of dollars in cash and resources for events I organized for our youth.
I can recall the beautiful tents that adorned the football field of Coolidge High School for National Night Out 2006. The Tents were donated by Classic Tents of Silver Spring, MD. The tents were put up by employees (including the owner of the company) on one of the hottest summer days in years in the DC area. Classic Tents as you may have noticed, is located in Silver Spring, MD, obviously outside of the 4th District, but an example of how much people care about our community.
Perfect Settings donated all of the chairs, tables and table cloths for the National Night Out 2006 event.
Outback Steakhouse of Hyattsville, MD donated all of the food for our PSA 402 National Night Out 2006 extravaganza. Take notice once again that this franchise owned restaurant is located outside of the District.
It’s easy to conclude that the donations given for the National Night Out 2006 event, easily cost the businesses involved thousands and thousands of dollars. Yet, business owners, as well as you, the local citizens, offered your time, money and resources freely and made the event a huge success for our community.
I reflect on the Youth Intervention Meetings that were held for several months in 2006.
Mc Donald’s Restaurant, located on the corner of Georgia Avenue & Peabody Street donated dozens of value meals for the children.
AMC Movie Theaters donated free movie tickets. Best Buy, Payless Shoes and Target donated gift cards. In addition, many other local businesses donated prizes and food for the meetings.
During the month of August, at the recommendation of Citizens Aware President, Yvonne Jefferson, PSA 402 hosted a job fair for the community.
MPDC, DC EMS & Fire Rescue were on hand to answer questions and point young people in the right direction for joining the Cadet Programs.
Giant Food was present and performed on the spot interviews. DC Department of Employment Services took part in the fair and was seeking qualified individuals as well. The Job Fair was well attended throughout the afternoon and evening, and I considered it to be another successful community event.
I was pleased to learn during a follow up call with Giant Food, two of the individuals that applied for employment at the Job Fair were hired.
I think back to the Halloween Party that I put on for our children. Once again local businesses answered my call for donations with a great response.
One request is all I needed to make on our ‘4D list serve’ and the overwhelming response I received from the community was enormous. To this day, I still have a generous supply of leftover candy that I use for events that take place.
All of the community events that I was part of this past year were special to me, however, the event that touched me the most was my decision to have the Fourth District sponsor five (5) families in need for Christmas. Once again, the outpouring of financial support from the community was incredible.
When word got out about a recently widowed father of ten children (10), local citizens, business owners and Police Officers stepped up to offer money so that the children of this family could have a great Christmas. What a fantastic feeling it was to deliver Christmas gifts to all of the families that were chosen. I’m hoping to be able to make this a yearly tradition here at the 4th District.
I close by saying THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANKYOU.
Without your generosity and support none of the events that took place this year would have been possible.
Good Luck in 2007, I look forward to being of service to all of you!!
Officer H. Straker
On Friday August 25, 2007, the last official day of summer vacation, the Metropolitan Police Department 4th District PSA 402 conducted a Back-2-School Party.
Mr. Robert Washington from Takoma Community Center who lent a helping hand. Mr. Sean Conley (Ward 4 Director DPR) for stopping by and showing his support.
Although the temperatures this year (just like last year) were extreme, “Night Out” in PSA 402 was well attended. It is estimated that approximately eight hundred (800) residents participated in the “Night Out” festivities.
