East Providence Cops - Helping Sick Kids

In the midst of a divided nation and violence aimed at police, many in East Providence are working hard to maintain good relations with each other. Residents have stepped forward to show support for police and many police officers have found ways to foster a positive reputation in the community. There have been some isolated bumps and bruises through the years but the East Providence Police have received much community support. A shining example of this is the now famous weekly practice of police officers stopping their cruisers for a few minutes every Wednesday night at the Veteran's Memorial Parkway overlook which lines up with Hasbro Children's Hospital across the river. The cops run their emergency lights and flashers as a "good night to the kids and families at Hasbro." The children at Hasbro signal back to the EP cops. The East Providence "Good Night Kids" lights program is spreading nationally. After seeing social media reports of the EP Cops efforts, the Orlando Police department in Florida is doing the same thing in that city. It's an effort beginning to spread.

Shaggy Looking Police For a Great Cause:
In a continuation of an effort last year to "grow out mustaches" and raise money, EP's finest will do it again. "Last year we raised donations from co-workers and unions and were able to present a check to a local family in need with a child suffering from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma," said Sergeant Andy Benoit. "Since then we began our Good night Lights" every Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m.," Benoit added.

"Our effort to grow out mustaches last November began in fun but has grown legs and we've decided to raise funds for those in need," said Sergeant Benoit. Benoit and his officers are now hoping to help even more children and families suffering from cancer. "This year, several of us agreed to do "Mo'vember" again and we decided whatever money was raised we would donate it to 'Cops for Kids with Cancer'. While we were very happy to have given the money to the local family dealing with cancer last year, we chose 'Cops for Kids' so that the money raised may help benefit multiple families suffering," Benoit said.

From mustache to "No Shave" Month:
As the effort within the police department grew with many officers asking to help out, something else changed. Some officers asked Benoit if they could make it a "no-shave November", instead of just mustaches. "I didn't know. Our policy dictates that officers cannot grow full beards. Nothing past the lip crease," explained the Sergeant. However as more and more cops got involved in volunteering, they were surprised by Police Chief Chris Parella. "Not only did the Chief approve the idea, he overwhelmingly supported it," said a shocked Benoit. Police uniformed appearance is a 'big thing' and officers didn't expect the policy to be relaxed.

"So once we got the approval to do a ‘No Shave November’, it started to take off. We have each officer donating $75 to participate. So far, we have over 30 active and retired officers participating as well as dispatchers. We have also set up a Go Fund Me account for the public to support us (https://www.gofundme.com/eppd-no-shave-november), in which over $1000 has been raised so far. We are looking for support from the community to help us with this cause!" said an excited Benoit. Anyone can donate directly to the go fund me account or they can contact Sergeant Benoit at abenoit@cityofeastprov.com or contact the police station to make arrangements to donate. Benoit is still careful about police officer appearance. "We want the public to know that if they notice officers with a little extra facial hair that they know it is all for a good cause. I'm pretty sure each and every one has somehow been effected by cancer, whether it was a loved one, friend or co-worker," said Benoit. "I can't imagine what it’s like having a child suffer from any form of cancer and if we can help just ease the pain a little with these donations this will be a huge success."

Thank you Chief Chris Parella:
Sergeant Benoit wanted to make it clear that although Police Chief Parella refuses to take any credit for his officers' efforts, "this wouldn't happen without his support. The men and women of our department thank Chief Parella very much." And so do kids and families suffering from cancer.

(Note: This reporter would like to add a personal note. My younger brother Joey Rodericks died last month from cancer. He was 59. He was a popular 1974 grad of EPHS. Donations of any kind in Joey's memory to this effort by the EP Police would be greatly appreciated by his family and friends. Thank you.)