By Maggie DiGiovanni
Eclectic Reporter for Elmore/Autauga News
Saturday, October 23rd, was Pam Pate’s birthday. Pate spends her mornings at the Eclectic Senior Center where she assists readying and serving lunches to homebound seniors as well as those who eat lunch in-house at the Center.
Her best friend, Ann Hurston, planned a special surprise for Pam on Friday so her friends could celebrate with her.
A few minutes after 9 a.m., two policemen came to the Center looking for Pate. Believing the officers to be a joke played on her by Hurston, she laughed and held her wrists up to be handcuffed.
“Ma’am, are you aware there is a warrant for your arrest?” Officer Zack asked. Neither he nor the other officer, Police Chief Robert Head, smiled. Pam’s humor faded when she saw their serious expressions.
“No, sir, I didn’t know,” she answered. She looked around hoping it really was a joke but met unsmiling faces burning with curiosity.
“Ma’am, there is a warrant for your arrest as you are getting older without permission!” Officer Zack said, his expression changing to that of someone who knows he played his part exceptionally well. Pam sighed with relief before gleefully assuring Hurston that she had a whole year to plan revenge.
Chief Head and all officers, as well as Heather and Shane who run the front desk, are active members of the Eclectic community. They not only keep the town safe, our officers help in other emergencies and, with Pate’s birthday, occasionally lend a bit of levity to situations.
When my daughter and I returned to Eclectic, between her and my brother who lived a couple of miles away, things got tense and very difficult to handle. He used neither heat nor air conditioning and she wanted to stay home instead of at his house. As a kidney disease patient, Jim often called for help late at night. On those occasions, our police department ensured my daughter’s safety by stopping to make certain she locked all doors. Every hour or so, until I returned home, they rode by to ensure all was well.
Whether it is the Chief or one of the officers, if a person believes someone is sneaking around their house, all officers are professional checking the situation. Even more, they are kind to those who imagine things usually due to an illness.
The officers check inside and outside the house and take time to calm the fears of the caller. Eclectic is fortunate to have these men and women in blue, who are dedicated to protecting the town and its people.
