As 2024 winds down, so does PPR’s 8 Weeks of Connection series—a celebration of how our team has embraced connection throughout the holiday season.
In the final installment of the series, Managing Director Sophie Slawson shares her journey through Leadership Frederick County, reflecting on the ride-along experiences that have shaped her perspective on community needs and the role of public service workers.
Sophie—the stage is yours!
Greetings from the streets of Frederick, where I, a humble participant in our county’s leadership program, embarked on a series of illuminating (and, at times, unnerving) ride-alongs with the Frederick City Police Department, Frederick County Sherrif’s Office, and Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services teams. These intrepid ride-along experiences are a small part of the program’s broader ambition to give participants a comprehensive tour of Frederick County’s complex societal landscape.
From the comforting confines of a “desk job” to the shotgun seat of a patrol car, here’s a glimpse into my whirlwind experience of emergency services and community connection.
Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services
My inaugural ride-along occurred under the expert guidance of Chief Fisher, who escorted me through the busy halls of several Frederick fire stations.
Our discussions about new policy changes and examining the latest firefighting equipment were just the beginning. At the fire academy, I witnessed simulated training courses designed to prepare new recruits for the realities they would face on the job.
The practice buildings, where drills were executed with precision, underscored the intensity and necessity of their training. As Frederick County’s population grows, these trainings not only address the increased need for fire safety personnel but also strengthen the vital connection between first responders and the community they serve.
Frederick County Sherrif’s Office
My second ride-along was with a deputy sheriff covering the northern portion of Frederick County. Our patrol was anything but routine, involving traffic stops, house calls, and a high-speed response to an accident on Route 15.
Amidst the adrenaline, it was the wellness checks that resonated most sincerely with me. The empathy displayed by the officers for those struggling with mental health issues offered meaningful insight into the critical role of public service for our community’s most vulnerable members.
City of Frederick Police Department
My final ride-along was with a newly trained city police officer, a fresh yet eager face within the force. Responding to an assault call, I witnessed the immediate measures taken to ensure everyone’s safety.
Though all involved were fortunately okay, it was a stark reminder of the “thin blue line” that city police walk daily to protect us, and in my experience, one carried out with a great deal of courage and care.
As I stepped out of the patrol car for the last time, my perspective on public service was changed. These ride-alongs were an opportunity to observe and understand the true value of Frederick’s first responders. This experience was a reminder of the care and commitment that defines emergency teams and how deeply interconnected we are to those who wear the uniform.
As we close out our season of connection, our PPR Strategies team wishes you a joyous holiday season filled with gratitude. Happy Holidays!
