The Police Crisis

Orem Residents: In Good Hands

Over the past decade or so, we’ve been the witnesses of many stories screaming out against our Police Officers in this nation. There is another side, and it’s time to share it.

It was 10:30 a.m., the day after Thanksgiving, and Jennie Maycock, an Orem resident who is in her eighties, was busy cleaning the leaves from her front yard when she took a nasty fall, landing on her left side. As no one was in sight, she began a prayerful pleading for help, and a neighbor drove up and helped her call 911.

Dispatch remained on the line with her until Orem City Police officers Thorpe and Christensen arrived on the scene not two minutes later. Paramedics from Fire Station 2 shortly followed them: Captain Edwards, Cooper, Pearson, and Fray. Jennie recounts being treated with much kindness and tender care as they gently lifted her onto the gurney. They travelled to Timpanogos Regional Hospital where Jennie was observed for 6 hours, and was finally able to leave the orthopedic surgeon’s office with a sling and a large cast, and a bundle of torn ligaments.

She returned home to find that Officers Thorpe and Christensen had finished cleaning the leaves from her yard. The following day at around noon, she received visitors at her front door. The officers were back. They explained that they’d overheard her concern of her injury preventing her from putting up her holiday décor, and that they had returned to offer their help.

Miss Maycock gratefully let the officers in, and they got to work, digging out her Christmas tree, assembling it, and setting it up. They then extracted Jennie’s large wreath from storage and placed it above her fireplace mantle. Officer Christensen fluffed the wreath with care, and, impressed by his skills, Jennie said, “Officer Christensen, I’ve never seen that wreath look so good.” He replied, “My wife taught me.” In leaving, they assured her, “If we’re not too busy, we can come back to help more. We’ll be nearby and just call if you need something.”

Miss Maycock concluded, “In my 47 years of living here, I have never been treated so kindly and gently. They were certainly an answer to my prayers.”

Noteworthy are the words of the Orem Police Department’s motto. (below) Powerful is the message when the weapon of choice can be a rake.

Orem City Police Department: Ready to Protect, Proud to Serve

Article by Author J. L. Coalwell