Sunrise Rotary makes first award under Kops program
MARCO ISLAND, Florida – The Rotary Club of Marco Island Sunrise recently announced its initial award under the recently adopted KOPS program.
The award goes to Officer Karie Petit of Marco Island Police Department. The Rotary Club of Marco Island Sunrise reimbursed Officer Petit for funds she spent to treat a person in need.
Officer Petit bought groceries for a person with no food or home. She worked in coordination with Community Service Officer Charlene Greenblatt, who arranged temporary lodging. In Officer Petit’s words, “This person was in need. I did not even think about reimbursement until I was reminded of the KOPS program by Captain Baer.”
KOPS is an acronym for Kindness On Patrol Service. Under the KOPS program, Marco police officers, community service officers, reserve officers and auxiliary officers are reimbursed when they personally pay for something to meet an immediate need of an Islander.
“If a Marco officer finds someone in need, the officer is authorized to purchase needed items and request reimbursement through the KOPS program administrator,” said Attorney William G. Morris. “Officer Petit saw a need and took action to ensure that recipient receive needed food.” Officers may not provide cash or cash equivalent to a recipient, but can meet an immediate need.
Requests for reimbursement under the KOPS program are submitted to Chief Al Schettino for signature and transmittal to Sunrise Rotary. Discretion is given to the officers as to meeting an immediate need and approval for reimbursement is as close to automatic as possible.
The KOPS program is complimentary to Chief Schettino’s community policing program and his efforts to make Marco Island Police a more integral part of the community. Chairman Morris stated, “This award is exciting. It will hopefully be the first of many and goes beyond mere reimbursement. Officer Petit is a stellar example of the concern our police have for our community.”
For more information about the KOPS program, please contact Bill Morris at wgm@wgmorrislaw.com.
For more information about the Sunrise Rotary and its activities, visit the Rotary Club of Marco Island Sunrise website at marcosunriserotary.com.
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