Monday, May 6, 2024
As the Gatesville Police Department continues to introduce its new Care Call program to the community, Chief of Police Brad Hunt decided to make a visit to the local Senior Center to express the significance of the program.
The congregation of the Senior Center was able to ask questions and get information on the program as well as having applications provided to sign up.
The Care Call program is designed for seniors living within the city limits of Gatesville who are currently living alone.
“We make weekly phone calls to offer assistance or to provide a chance for a conversation,” Hunt said.
This program is a free service that requires a prearranged day and time for participants to receive regular phone calls. If a resident needs help or does not answer, a police officer will stop by the resident’s home to check on them.
Through the program, volunteers with the Gatesville Police Department will make regularly scheduled phone calls to residents to not only check on their welfare, but to also have a simple conversation about their week.
“I will train the volunteers,” Hunt said. “We give our volunteers a background check to make sure that you are getting someone over the phone that we can trust.”
If you are interested in the program and are not a senior citizen living alone, there are exceptions made for individuals who have health conditions or limited family contact.
“I think more people should know about what is available,” Hunt said. “We want to know what your concerns are, because your concerns are our concerns.”
Those interested in joining the Care Call program are to contact the Gatesville Police Department at 254-865-2226.
The program comes after police announced an investigation involving the home break-in and assault of an elderly person in early December. Police are still actively seeking a suspect in this case. They encourage anyone with information to contact Gatesville PD’s Criminal Investigation Unit at 254-865-2226 or by submitting tips anonymously to Centex Crime Stoppers at 254-865-8477 or online at centexcrimestoppers.org.
