But Hamilton Police Officer Nic Painter wants people to know there's a softer side to this community's police force.
Painter is leading an effort to collect coats for infants to high school-age kids who face the prospect of a long, cold winter without one. He calls the brand-new campaign “Coats 4 Kids.”
Painter found plenty of support for the idea from both the Hamilton Police Department and others in the community.
Bitter Root Laundry has agreed to clean all the coats collected through Oct. 31 for free. Allegra Print and Imaging helped spread the word by donating labor and posters. The Hamilton School District signed on as a collection and distribution point.
Gently used, outgrown or new coats can be dropped off Monday through Friday at the Hamilton Police Department or any Hamilton school through Halloween.
From Nov. 5-9, people with children in need of a coat can pick one up upstairs at the Hamilton Police Department from noon to 4 p.m. If those times don't work, people can call the department at 363-2100 to arrange for a coat to be delivered.
“I just believe this is a good way to show a different side of the police department,” Painter said. “Too often, the only time people see us is during difficult situations. My hopes are this will show people we can have positive interactions with them as well.”
“We know there are a lot of kids in the valley that may not have a warm coat for the winter, and our winters can get fairly cold,” he said. “We're hoping to get enough coats so that every kid that needs one will be warm this winter.”
For more information, call Painter at 363-2100, Ext. 65.
Reporter Perry Backus can be reached at
1-800-366-7186 or at pbackus@missoulian.com
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