Behind the Badge
It was a sweet message timed for the holidays — Christmas, in particular — but one that resonates all year:
Thank you, Garden Grove Police Department, for all you do.
At an afternoon patrol briefing Dec. 21, west Garden Grove resident Karen Hatfield, with the assistance of Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps members from Pacifica High School, showed up with hundreds of homemade treats — the word “cookies” didn’t do them justice — in a show of thanks to the agency.
Garden Grove Community Liaison Manager Cindy Nagamatsu Hanlon, left, helped arrange a visit by Karen Hatfield, right, to the Garden Grove Police Department. Karen and members of the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps from Pacifica High School delivered homemade desserts to the department.
Photo by Christine Cotter/Behind the Badge OC
They dropped off 70-plus plates packed with sinful treats such as “Salty Scotties,” walnut clusters and almond bars.
The GGPD officers and other personnel were very grateful.
Master Officer Michael Elhami scarfed down six treats.
Sgt. Bill Allison addresses a group of Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps members from Pacifica High School who helped deliver hundreds of sweet treats to the Garden Grove Police Department.
Photo by Christine Cotter/Behind the Badge OC
“It was pretty awesome of them to do this,” Elhami said. “It shows we’re appreciated.”
He said of his binge: “I worked out, so I don’t feel that bad.”
The students toured the PD station after they dropped off the goods, which were made in Hatfield’s kitchen.
Garden Grove resident Karen Hatfield thanks Garden Grove police officers for their service.
Photo by Christine Cotter/Behind the Badge OC
“It’s been an ugly year (for law enforcement),” Hatfield said. “West Garden Grove is a special place, and I really appreciate what the police department does for us.”
After the fatal shooting of police officers in Dallas on July 7, Hatfield mobilized residents to bring meals to the PD.
Her Dec. 21 visit was an extension of that effort.
On Thankgiving, the members of the NJROTC helped Hatfield make 250 side dishes for a transitional living home in Garden Grove, and then asked her if they could help make a holiday delivery of goodies to the GGPD.
Garden Grove Community Liaison Manager Cindy Nagamatsu Hanlon, right, helped arrange a visit by Karen Hatfield to the Garden Grove Police Department. Karen delivered homemade desserts to the department.
Photo by Christine Cotter/Behind the Badge OC
Chief Todd Elgin dropped by the briefing room to show his appreciation and to give the youngsters advice.
“Don’t get stagnant,” Elgin told them. “The military and law enforcement are great career moves, but the bottom line is education is very, very important. It’s important that you have a purpose. Figure out what it is. Try something out and if you don’t like it, that’s OK.”
Elgin called law enforcement “the best profession on the planet.”
Sgt. Bill Allison addresses a group of Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps members from Pacifica High School who assisted Garden Grove resident Karen Hatfield in delivering hundreds of sweet treats to the police department.
Photo by Christine Cotter/Behind the Badge OC
Captain Travis Whitman thanked Hatfield and the students.
“We can’t do our jobs without the support of the community,” he said, “and this is a great testament to that.”
Hatfield, an avid cook, said it’s important to give back and show the PD how much its personnel are appreciated.
“I feel blessed to be able to spread that message,” she said.
Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps members from Pacifica High School listen intently to Garden Grove Police Chief Todd Elgin during a visit to the police station.
Photo by Christine Cotter/Behind the Badge OC
Karen Hatfield and Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps members from Pacifica High School brought hundreds of tasty treats to the Garden Grove Police Department to show their appreciation to the officers.
Photo by Christine Cotter/Behind the Badge OC
Karen Hatfield, right, with Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps members from Pacifica High School who showed their appreciation to the Garden Grove Police Department.
Photo by Christine Cotter/Behind the Badge OC
