Coy Jenkins, Rogers County Sheriff's Department investigator, saws a tree at the home of Sgt. Tandy Reeder on Sunday. The effort was part of "BACKUP," a new program designed to provide personal support to members of the Sheriff's Department. Courtesy
CLAREMORE - A new Rogers County sheriff's program is turning a helping hand back to its officers who help residents, often putting aside their needs.
On Sunday, a caravan of 35 Rogers County law enforcement officers and family members in flatbed trucks, carrying chainsaws and other equipment helped remove three large trees from Sgt. Tandy Reeder's backyard.
"The spring storms had knocked the trees down," said Coy Jenkins, Rogers County Sheriff's Department investigator. "He was so busy helping other people after the storm he didn't have the resources to do anything with his own house."
The caravan was escorted onto Reeder's property by a marked sheriff's car with lights and sirens activated, he said. It took more than 2 1/2 hours to remove the trees - an oak, pecan and cottonwood. The largest - the oak - was about 40 feet tall and had a base diameter of 30 inches, Jenkins said.
Two trees were lying on Reeder's propane tank.
Reeder's long work scheduled didn't leave him time to take care of the trees.
"I was very surprised," Reeder said. "I was just overcome with emotion. I was overwhelmed."
The new program known as "BACKUP" is designed to provide personal support to members of the Sheriff's Department.
"10-23 is the radio code that is used by officers to request immediate backup, when a deputy is in serious trouble," Jenkins said. "This was our first (project) today."
The law enforcement community identifies problems, whether they be physical, financial or emotional, and the department secretly works together to assist the troubled deputy, he said. The whole emphasis of the program is to provide backup to the deputy, Jenkins said.
Jenkins set up a ruse of an identity theft investigation going on in Reeder's neighborhood to get the law enforcement officer to his home.
"His wife was even shocked," Jenkins said referring to the cleanup work.
"A career in law enforcement often requires long-enduring hours of work, a need to maintain supplementary methods of income, and a sacrifice of family time. With these challenges, deputies often endure additional emotional and financial hardships, which can go unnoticed."
Original Print Headline: Rogers County returns a helping hand to officers
Claremore
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