What an exciting time to be in Beatrice! Spring is in full swing and summer is right around the corner. This time of year brings one of the busiest periods for us. You guessed it! Homestead Days! We are looking forward to another great festival filled with lots of fun events. My personal favorite is the parade.
As with every year, this event will bring in many visitors. We want to remind everyone of some basic safety tips to ensure you have a great time. Make sure that when parking your vehicle, you secure any valuables in your trunk and do not leave items in view. Take your keys and purses and lock your vehicle. These simple things can keep you from being a victim. Our officers will be extra vigilant during this time but ask that you help us keep you safe by setting yourself up for success.
While I am on the topic of my staff, I would like to take a moment to recognize some of our wonderful employees. When people think about the police department, they often think of the officers and the dispatchers. I want to recognize all of our civilian personnel. They are the backbone of the department and keep things running so that the first responders are able to do their jobs.
Our Victim Advocates work tirelessly to help victims of all types of crimes navigate the judicial process. Their duties range from helping victims apply for protection orders to meeting with court officials with or for the victims. The most important part of their job though is to help give the victims a voice. Our advocates are some of the most passionate people that you will ever meet. Thank you Chevis and Marty!
We also have operational and administrative support personnel. Traci and Sue handle all the records and administrative duties for the department. They are often the first smiling face you see when you come to the department. Traci is also the Police Information and Systems Coordinator. She handles the technical side of the programs that the Police Department and Communications Center use. She also handles many programs utilized by the surrounding agencies. They do a fantastic job and provide an extremely valuable service to our city.
As we move into Memorial Day, I want to encourage everyone to have a great time but remember to be safe. Often activities around the holidays include alcohol, and we want you to drink responsibly. Please do not drink and drive. Officers will be out actively looking for impaired drivers. Every year, impaired drivers take the lives of numerous individuals on the roadways in Nebraska. We take impaired driving seriously and want everyone to be safe. If you have been drinking, please take another option for getting home. Call a friend or a cab. In Beatrice, we also have the Free Ride Home Program, where you can get a voucher for a free taxi ride home from the bar. Ask your bartender for a voucher. There are plenty of choices to keep you safe this holiday season.
Finally, I want to wish all of our Beatrice High School graduates congratulations! I know that many of you already have plans to take the next step in life whether that be a career, college, or military service. We are proud of you and know you will do great things!
John Hickman
Chief of Police