Madison Police thankful for outpouring of support for officers during the holidays

MADISON – While families prepared to open gifts for Christmas, it was heartwarming to see that the men and women who work hard protecting Madison were not forgotten. The Madison Police Department was the beneficiary of some holiday generosity recently.

MPD communications officer Teresa Taylor-Duncan said the department is very thankful for the outpouring of support and gifts during the holidays. “Just because it’s the holidays, law enforcement sometimes has to work even harder,” she said in expressing appreciation for the various ways the Madison Police have been remembered during Christmas.

Some of the gifts included a Starbucks gift card for each of the nearly 100 sworn officers with the Madison PD. Also, a man donated $1,000 for a bulletproof vest.

One gift came with a very special meaning behind it. Christie Spencer gave more than 100 gift “comfort” bags full of food and other items. The reason why is because of the impact a police officer once had on her own life.

“Gifting officers at Christmastime means the world to me,” Spencer said as she shared her story. “It takes me back to when I was 16, and had been given a matching bed, bedspread, bathrobe, makeup and even hair products by my best friend’s mom, Olivia, at Christmas. Allie’s mom wanted me to feel at home when I stayed the night for sleepovers. Olivia also did this on a police department salary.”

Spencer’s father had committed suicide when she was a young teenager. “My best friend, Allie, never asked me details about how my dad died — she knew I was 14 and that he died in my home,” she said. “I loved the dignity Allie’s mom gave me by never asking for details, like how my dad died.”

She said her friend’s mother always treated her like a “normal” person – something she desperately craved at the time.

“It wasn’t until I was in my 30s, and a mom myself, that I found out the significant role Olivia had played in my life two years before we met,” Spencer said. “Police had been called to my home — a crisis intervention specialist was there too — trying desperately to talk with my dad and offer hope by my front door.

“The first time Olivia drove me home from a sleepover, she instantly had a feeling she had been there before,” she continued. “She didn’t say a word as she realized she in fact had been to my home once two years before — as the crisis intervention specialist who worked tirelessly to save a life.”

Spencer said that every Christmas she is reminded of the sacrifice a family from the Boynton Beach Police Department gave her many years ago. “Officers will always – always – hold a special place in my heart for the love they gave me when my world was shattered. Their love, courage, tenacity, compassion, and grace have made a lasting impact in my life,” she said.