CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The Charleston Police Department is ‘”Paying It Forward.” That’s the name of a new citywide program aimed at promoting selfless acts of kindness.
Police Chief Brent Webster and several of his officers stopped at different places around the city Wednesday handing out cold drinks and a pamphlet on how anyone can get involved in the program.
Webster said joining up was an easy decision.
“The Charleston Police Department wants to be seen as not just the people who write tickets and make arrests,” Webster explained. “We want to be seen in a very positive light, part of the community, very service oriented.”
One of the stops on Wednesday was the downtown transit mall during lunch hour. Webster’s officers were kept busy meeting and greeting city residents. He said it’s about getting to know the public and letting the public get to know them.
“We speak to them for a few seconds and just let them know that we appreciate them and then hope they will pay it forward and do something nice for someone else,” stressed Webster.
Target provided the cold water, lemonade and soda the officers handed out. Some people stopped for a quick hello, others stayed to talk with an officer about the job or a concern they have in their neighborhood.
Webster said paying it forward is part of their job description.
“This is really an opportunity to protect and serve. It’s not always about the protection. It’s about the service,” the chief said.