Dear Chief Passarelli,

Good morning. I am a new resident of Geneva. I closed on my new home a week ago today. My first week in your town challenged me in a number of ways. My movers arrived on July 16. It became evident rather quickly that the belongings my movers salvaged from my damaged storage units were damaged as well.

Soon after they were moved in, all furniture, mattresses, and other misc. items had to be moved to my garage and/or outdoor space. They were water damaged, growing mold of all different colors, and producing a foul odor in every room of my new place. It was a nightmare. Boxes had to be broken down immediately and placed outdoors and in the garage to air out and improve the toxic indoor air quality. Understandably, it was not a welcome sight to my neighbors. Perhaps they felt concerned about the future of their neighborhood with someone who moved in without care to how the front of her home presented itself to this community. Needless to say, it was not a warm welcome to Geneva. I followed the HOA permit process to gain approval for a trash removal service to haul away everything.

My faith is restored this morning due to the kind, professional, courteous, and persevering Officer who came to my assistance this morning. I have not yet been able to sleep in my home as I am having it sanitized and painted throughout to start over, without my furniture, many of my belongings, and several family heirlooms. I have been working night and day since Monday to restore the interior space to launder, hand wash and repack items that were salvageable. I locked my keys in the car early this morning when I arrived to continue the work to get myself settled here. I realized I should check my mailbox and found that key in my purse. As soon as I shut the door to walk to the mailbox, I knew what I had done. After wondering what to do, I phoned the non-emergency number at your department.

An incredibly kind and helpful woman connected me to dispatch promptly, and shortly thereafter, Officer Walega appeared in front of my home. He made me feel as though it was OK, it happens, and he was happy to assist. He persevered to get my rather stubborn door opened and took his time to do it carefully. He greeted me warmly with a smile and just went about the job of helping this new resident gain access to her vehicle. I thanked him with a handshake, and he was off on his way to continue serving the community.

I know it may seem ordinary and part of what officers do for residents in need, but this meant so much more than that to me. After a week of loss preceded by 11 months of homelessness, I am beyond grateful for those who offer a smile and a wish for a nice day. Officer Walega made me happy that I chose to purchase a home in this community. I wish to express gratitude to him, the woman who assisted me on the phone, and to you for your leadership of those who serve, assist, and protect this community.

Your acts of kindness may not always be recognized, but rest assured that each an every act of goodness creates a ripple effect in your community. I think it is important to recognize these acts since it may help, especially on those days that present unthinkable challenges. Please accept my gratitude for all that your department does. Officer Walega made my week!