WATERTOWN — When a Watertown police officer heard about a family that had fallen on hard times, he knew one thing could make a big difference in their lives. He got his brothers and sisters in blue to help.
“As part of the job, you meet people who are having the worst day of their lives. Sometimes you’re there and you can really help those people,” Officer Frank Forde said.
Officer Forde responded to a call this week and found one such family in distress.
“The family was going through a tough time. The father had a medical condition and they were struggling financially. The old refrigerator was broken and it had been two months since they had had a refrigerator,” he explained.
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The police left the house that night, but those neighbors remained in Forde’s thoughts. He is a father himself.
“They have a young daughter at home, they really needed help. When I got back to the station, I knew I had to do more for the family,” Forde said.
Officers raise nearly $1,000 for new refrigerator
Thanks to the generosity of the men and women of the Watertown Police Department, Officer Forde had raised nearly $1,000 in 24 hours. Enough for a brand new refrigerator, which was scheduled to be delivered this week, and gift cards to fill it with food.
“It was an emotional conversation. You really feel for the family. They were emotional, they were a bit overwhelmed by the whole thing. They gave us a hug at the end. They were really happy,” he said.
This desire to make a difference comes from Forde’s inspiration: his grandfather and uncle who wore the uniform and went out every day to help. Forde’s passion is his St. Patrick’s Day breakfast for the New England Center and Home for Veterans.
“Me and my fellow officers make the breakfast, and we bring it down and we serve it to 150-200 people. In the last five years, we’ve raised over $20,000 for the center,” Forde said.
Big impact, that started with a good idea… and a generous attitude.
“Sometimes you just need a spearhead, and then everyone gets behind the idea and really helps out,” he said humbly.
July McDonald
