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Seedlings, a local non-profit that creates and distributes Braille books, benefits from a number of unique items on their annual Online Auction including lunch with Mayor Brosnan, Council President McCullough, the typewriter, TV Anchor Carolyn Clifford, Lunch with the Fire Chief.
Over $1,000 is raised for Seedlings from these 5 items.
On January 3rd, Jerry Karasinski, pictured here with Cathy and their two grandchildren, participated in a Ride-a-Long offered by the Livonia Police Department as a fundraiser item for Seedlings.
After arriving at Livonia Police Headquarters Jerry checked in at the patrol desk where he signed a release and provided a copy of his driver's license and medical insurance. The release provides instructions for the ride-a-long as well as documents situations that the citizen will not be participating in, like police pursuits.
Once in the patrol car after making introductions they were off handling calls with the first call being to back up the officer's partner who was at St. Mary's taking a victim's statement. Karasinski said that "Both officers exhibited all of the qualities we would expect to see to find out what happened. They were quiet and caring. They were respectful of the victim as well as the medical personnel."
After determining the assault took place in another city, they followed procedure and contacted that city's police force and waited until they could determine whether a member of that police force's department would come to interview the victim. Livonia cannot charge crimes that occur outside its jurisdiction. The lead officer contacted the other department directly, confirming that an officer from that city would be sent to the hospital. He then informed the victim and the hospital staff to expect that officer.
Karasinki said "It was heartwarming to see the care given to the victim and it was reassuring to see the attention to detail taken on behalf of the victim."
Upon leaving the hospital, the officer was back at work with Jerry in tow handling dispatched calls. In addition to the radio a computer system is used to track active and pending calls. They followed up on a call about a reckless driver, checked out a complaint about a vehicle parked on a neighborhood street, and checked on a reported door alarm at one of the local churches.
The officer linked up with his partner to perform a wellness check on an elderly person.
"We then responded to a call from a motorist who was threatened with a handgun. What was interesting about this incident was the lack of respect given to the officer by motorists while he was responding with lights and sirens. It's just a reminder of how important it is to pay attention while driving."
Lastly, the officer performed a traffic stop when a motorist stopped oddly, nearly in the middle of the intersection for a red light. The motorist had a couple of injured dogs with him. A call was made to Animal Control to check out the two dogs and after inspection and investigation, both were taken by the Animal Control officer for safekeeping.
These are a wide variety of calls, and no two days are alike. "It is important to note that we're fortunate that our department can respond to so many types of calls."
Midway through the four-hour Ride-a-Long, they stopped at the station where Karasinski said that "every officer was very friendly and professional. The facility was well cared for and the equipment was top-notch. We should be proud of our officers and department.
"This was a great opportunity to learn more about our Police Department! I encourage everyone to bid on this item in next year's Seedlings auction if it is offered again. Thank You Livonia PD!"
And thank you Seedlings for partnering with our Livonia Police Department in providing this unique bid item.
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