Helping to enhance the safety of Juno Beach


May 10, 2024 - Volume 7 Number 9




Honoring Our Local Heroes: National Police Week


As May unfolds, it brings with it a somber yet profoundly important occasion: National Police Week from May 12 - 18, 2024. While our Juno Beach Police Department and Police Foundation may not be directly involved in organized activities this year, it remains imperative that we, as a community, take the time to recognize and honor the brave men, and women who serve and protect us every day, including our police volunteers.


National Police Week, which culminates on May 15th with Peace Officers Memorial Day, is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by law enforcement Officers across the nation. It is a week dedicated to remembering those who have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty and to showing appreciation for the tireless efforts of those who continue to serve.


In our own community, we are fortunate to have dedicated Officers who work diligently to keep us safe. They are our neighbors, friends, and family members who put their lives on the line to ensure our well-being. While they may not always seek recognition, it is essential that we acknowledge their commitment and express our gratitude.


While official events may not be taking place locally, there are still meaningful ways we can participate in National Police Week. Take a moment to thank our Juno Beach Police Officers for their service when you see them in your neighborhood or out on patrol. Consider displaying a blue ribbon or a blue light in your window as a symbol of support. Engage with your children or grandchildren about the importance of law enforcement and the role Police Officers play in our community's safety.


Moreover, let us not forget the families of our local Officers. They, too, make sacrifices and endure hardships so that their loved ones can protect and serve us, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Reach out to offer words of encouragement and support to these families, letting them know they are appreciated and valued members of our community.


As we observe National Police Week, let us recommit ourselves to supporting our local law enforcement Officers and recognizing the vital role they play in safeguarding our community. While their work often goes unnoticed, their dedication and bravery deserve our utmost respect and admiration.


Thank you to all our Juno Beach Police personnel for your unwavering commitment to serving and protecting us. Your sacrifices do not go unnoticed, and during this National Police Week, we stand with you in solidarity and gratitude.





COFFEE WITH A COP




Coffee With A Cop, sponsored by the Juno Beach Police Foundation, will be held next month on Wednesday, June 5th at 9:30 a.m. on the Town Hall Plaza (weather permitting) between the Town Center and the Juno Beach Police Department. Coffee and donuts will be available during the event.


We invite you and your friends to a delightful morning that promises great conversations, warm smiles, an update by the Chief of Police, and the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee.




SHRED FEST - CIVIC ASSOCIATION


The Juno Beach Civic Association will be hosting a ShredFest on Saturday, May 11th from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Oceanview United Methodist Church parking lot, 701 Ocean Drive, Juno Beach. (click image for more details)


Bring your paper, notepads, envelopes, file folders, hanging files, etc. Please keep CDs, and DVDs apart for separate shredding.


There is a suggested $5.00 minimum donation which will go to the Wounded Veterans Support Fund.


Volunteers from the Juno Beach Police Department will be on hand to assist with the flow of traffic.



Sniffing Out Safety: K9 Officers Steal the Show at The Waterford Safety and Security Course


The ongoing Safety and Security Course, facilitated by the Juno Beach Police Department and supported by the Juno Beach Police Foundation, welcomed two distinguished guests on May 9th. K9 Officer Kash and K9 Officer Kobee, representing the Palm Beach County School Police, participated in the event. These K9 officers operate under the oversight of Police Sergeant Curtis Riddick, a seasoned law enforcement professional with 34 years of experience. Notably, Sergeant Riddick oversees four additional K9 teams, each possessing unique expertise and considerable experience across diverse policing domains.


  • K9 Officer Kash (Kids Are Safe Here) is a Bloodhound. This breed of dog is particularly good at finding missing children and adults due to their exceptional sense of smell and tracking abilities. He has one of the most powerful noses among dog breeds, with an incredible ability to detect and follow scents over long distances. Their olfactory system is highly specialized, allowing them to distinguish and track individual scents even in complex environments.

  • K9 Officer Kobee is a Belgium Malinois. These dogs are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and strong sense of smell. This makes him highly effective in locating narcotics hidden on persons or in vehicles. K9 Officer Kobee is trained specifically for drug detection tasks, and his keen olfactory abilities allow him to detect even small amounts of various drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and others.


Sergeant Riddick's demonstration to nearly 40 attendees provided a revealing glimpse into the capabilities of the School Police K9 unit. With expertise, he showcased each dog's unique skills, from agility to scent detection, highlighting their crucial roles in ensuring safety within the school community. Attendees gained insight into the specific commands the dogs respond to, deepening their appreciation for the rigorous training undergone by both K9s and handlers. Amidst the excitement, attendees had the opportunity to interact with the K9s, experiencing their gentle demeanor firsthand. Through education and engagement, Sergeant Riddick underscored the invaluable partnership between School Police Officers and their K9 companions, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.


Sergeant Diana Hayes, the Public Information Officer for the District's School Police Agency, stressed the vital role of School Police in ensuring safety across county-wide schools. She highlighted the crucial contribution of K9 Officers in law enforcement efforts, emphasizing their role in detecting potential threats and maintaining a secure learning environment. By supporting county-wide schools, Sergeant Hayes emphasized, School Police play a pivotal role in fostering an atmosphere conducive to student achievement. Her insights underscored the collaborative relationship between law enforcement and educational institutions, essential for effective threat prevention and student success.


The Safety and Security course provides an invaluable opportunity for community members to gain insight into the operations of both our local and supportive law enforcement agencies.


Feedback from participants was again overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude to both the Police Department and the Police Foundation for the information and insight being shared.


The Juno Beach Police Department and the Juno Beach Police Foundation are committed to working together to provide educational opportunities that empower community members and enhance public safety.



The Juno Beach Police Foundation strongly believes that a more informed community is a safer community, and we look forward to welcoming you to future classes. It's all about our commitment to helping enhance public safety, well-being and quality of life in Juno Beach.






Juno Beach Police Foundation

Thomas F Murphy, President
• Paul Rothstein, Vice President      • Jon Luther, Treasurer
• Joe Rooney, Secretary • Nelson Ferreira, Director
• Mark Habersaat, Director • John Large, Advisor
 
• Chief Brian Smith,
  Police Advisor
• Major Mark Saloio,
  Police Advisor

Administration Office
803 Donald Ross Road
Juno Beach, FL 33408
Tel (561) 972-8660

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