OCEANSIDE POLICE SPREAD KINDNESS

New program funded by donation lets officers help those in need

A new project is giving Oceanside police the opportunity to spread a little kindness around the city.

With the help of a $20,000 donation from the nonprofit Trauma Intervention Programs Inc., the Oceanside Police Department has launched a Random Acts of Kindness project.

It began as a Secret Santa in December and has since grown to a year-round program where officers can spread donations out throughout the year to help those who need a boost, program officials said.

When officers encounter someone who might need a little kindness or a helping hand, they answer the call.

“The more opportunities that we have to engage with people outside of crisis situations, I think, deepen relationships and deepen understanding,” police Chief Fred Armijo said.

Each month, the program will use different methods of giving to make connections between officers and the community.

Last month, officers helped recent theft victims replace stolen items they didn’t have the means to replace, and this month, officers surprised drivers at gas stations by paying to fill their gas tanks.

“It’s a cool experience to get out in the community and make people smile and serve in a different way,” Officer Andy Gularte said.

The Fortin family established an “Acts of Kindness” fund within Trauma Intervention Programs Inc. to support projects like that of the Oceanside police, said founder Wayne Fortin.

“We can think of no better way for us to provide acts of kindness to Oceanside residents than by partnering with Oceanside police officers who are on the front lines and encounter those who need kindness and a helping hand on a regular basis,” he said.

Moreover, Fortin said, partnering with the department allows residents to see officers in a positive light, while also giving the officers the chance to “be the good guy.”

It’s the effort police are putting into the program that Fortin said makes the donation worth it. “They’re wonderful partners, so that just motivates us even more.”

OCEANSIDE POLICE OFFICER JENNIFER ATENZA Oceanside Police Officer Annalina Felicella with an act of kindness recipient after she paid to fill his gas tank.