The elderly or anyone with a physical impairment living in the town limits now has friends in high places. In this case, those friends are members of the Hillsville Police Department.
The Senior/Physical Impairment Call-In program is designed for senior citizens or persons of any age with a physical impairment, who would benefit from extra attention from the police department.
“The sheriff’s office has a similar program, but I want to start one with the town,” said Hillsville Police Chief Greg Bolen. “Every day they call in and let us know if they’re okay. If they don’t call, we’ll call them. If there’s no answer, we’ll go to their house to check on them.”
“Some of those who are worse off, we’ll check on anyway, especially during bad weather to make sure they have provisions. We’ll even carry their mail in for them.”
The department presently has 15 participants in the program.
Paul Byrd, one of the seniors involved in the program, said he feels more secure knowing someone will know if something happens to him.
“I feel a lot safer. If something happens to me, somebody will know I need help. The officers are very nice,” he said.
Anyone who would like to be a part of the program, or has a relative or a loved one who would benefit from the program, can call the police department at 728-2251. Callers should ask to speak to Bolen or Michael Henley. They should provide their name or the name of the person they are concerned about, the address, telephone number, how often they would like to call in and the time of day they would like to call in.
“This is a program we feel will enhance our relationship with the public, as well as give piece of mind to family members who may live elsewhere,” said Bolen.
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