West Blocton Police Dept. Launches Senior Citizen In-Home Welfare Check Program
By Savannah Logan
The West Blocton Police Department, under the leadership of Police Chief Pete Hicks, has introduced a heartwarming new program designed to support senior citizens in the community. The Senior Citizen In-Home Welfare Check Program is aimed at providing an extra layer of care and security to ensure that elderly residents are not overlooked. This program encourages family members to sign up their senior loved ones for periodic check-ins, creating a stronger bond between the police department and the residents they serve.
According to the information provided by the town, officers will make every effort to check on enrolled seniors at least once a week, as staffing and call volume allow. Participation is easy, with family members asked to email the West Blocton Police Department at policechief@townofwestblocton.org. The email should include essential details like the senior’s name, address, phone number, and any important health information such as medical conditions or mobility issues. Families are also asked to provide their contact information in case of emergencies.
While the checks are not guaranteed and should not replace other measures to ensure the well-being of elderly family members, the service is free and intended to help safeguard one of the most vulnerable groups in the community. The program represents a commitment to care for those who may feel isolated or in need of a watchful eye.
Chief Hicks shared his personal motivation for this program’s creation. Reflecting on his career, he noted that the most rewarding experiences often came from the simple act of checking in on community members, rather than focusing solely on the more traditional duties of policing. He recounted a particularly moving story from his early years as a patrolman in Alabaster, where he had the opportunity to visit with an elderly World War II veteran on his beat. The elderly man’s family later expressed their gratitude for the visits, revealing how much those simple gestures meant.
“I’m simply looking for ways we can be more helpful to the community,” said Chief Hicks. “I believe that as professional police officers, we should do more than just write tickets and make arrests. While those actions are sometimes necessary, there’s plenty of time in our day-to-day duties to take a few minutes to check on our neighbors, especially our seniors.”
For Chief Hicks, the idea of serving the community extends beyond enforcing laws. The Senior Citizen In-Home Welfare Check Program is a tangible way for officers to connect with residents on a personal level, offering comfort, reassurance, and a sense of security to those who may need it the most.
“As a young officer, I was focused on chasing criminals,” Chief Hicks added. “But looking back, I realize that the small, simple things we can do – like checking in on seniors – often make the biggest difference. This program allows us to truly serve our community in a meaningful way.”
The program is a reminder that policing is about building relationships, offering support, and creating a safer and more connected community for all. West Blocton residents are encouraged to take advantage of this service and ensure that their elderly loved ones are well cared for.
For more information, or to enroll a senior family member, contact the West Blocton Police Department today!
