ATHENSย โ On Friday, Oct. 10, the Athens Police Department demonstrated its commitment to community care, by ensuring a vulnerable dialysis patient received the life-sustaining medical treatment the person needed when the person had no other means of transportation.
From left to right: Officer Joe Kimery, Sergeant Patrick Minor and Officer Bobby Hand. The three officers who responded to a call they will never forget
What began as a seemingly routine, yet heartbreaking, welfare check call quickly transformed into a heartwarming display of compassion by Athens’ finest. The emergency call came from DaVita Athens Dialysis Center, located off of Braly Boulevard, after concern arose that one of their patients had missed a crucial appointment. According to Athens Police Chief Anthony Pressnell, these ill-fated calls from treatment centers usually never have a positive outcome.
Recognizing the urgency of the call, Officer Bobby Hand and Sergeant Patrick Minor were immediately dispatched to the patientโs residence. After several anxious minutes, the officers were able to successfully make contact with the patient.
The patient then revealed to them the predicament that led to missing the appointment, as the patient had lost the car keys and had no other way to get to the dialysis center.
Understanding the critical nature of these appointments, Officer Hand and Sergeant Minor, with a profound sense of their sworn duty to protect and serve the residents of Athens, took it upon themselves to transport the patient to DaVita Athens Dialysis Center. But their care did not stop there. Upon arrival at the center, Officer Hand urged the staff to contact the department once the patient’s treatment was completed, making sure the patient had a ride home.
Nearly four hours later, the dialysis center called and APD remained true to its word. Officer Joe Kimery quickly responded, picking up the patient and safely returning the patient home.
Chief Pressnell commended his officers’ actions, noting that they are not required to transport residents, but this was a great example of the departmentโs commitment to the well-being of their citizens.
โThis incident truly speaks a lot about the character and heart of our officers,โ Pressnell said. โThey are not just here to enforce laws; they are here to serve our community and this is a great example of that. Officer Hand, Sergeant Minor and Officer Kimery really exemplified what it means to go above and beyond the call of duty, this is something this person had to have and these officers made sure the personย got the treatment needed. I couldn’t be prouder of the compassion they showed, this was an outstanding job on all of their parts.โ
Medi Release/Justin Travis/Communication Specialist City of Athens
