The Tate County Sheriff's Office recently exemplified a commendable commitment to community service by visiting residents who participate in the SAIL and SMILE programs at The Baddour Center.
“These collaborative efforts between law enforcement and The Baddour Center, a residential community for individuals with intellectual disabilities, showcases the importance of fostering positive relationships between public servants and the communities they serve,” shared Ashley Price, Manager of Development Training at The Baddour Center.
Officer Derrick Richardson recently visited the Skills for Achieving Independently Living (SAIL) and Succeeding More In Life Everyday (SMILE) programs – both of which are geared toward learning and improving residents’ skills - to discuss his job working for the Tate County Sheriff's Department. He began his career at 26 years old as a jailer before moving into his current position as a School Resource Officer.
Officer Richardson actively engaged with Baddour residents, contributing to the sense of unity and support within our county. He gave a brief overview of what it is like to be an officer before opening the floor up for questions. When asked what his advice for staying out of trouble was, he gave the following simple and effective reply, "If you have to think twice about it, you shouldn't do it."
Words to live by. He ended his time with the group by enjoying donuts and orange juice, taking a few pictures, and deputizing several residents with a star-shaped badge similar to his own!
Before leaving, representatives of The Baddour Center proudly presented the February SAIL/SMILE Community Spotlight Award to Officer Richardson and the entire Tate County Sheriff's Department.
“This partnership serves as an inspiring example of how law enforcement agencies can foster a sense of belonging and support for all community members of Tate County,” said Price. For more information about The Baddour Center, visit www.baddour.org.
