Safety Initiative Unveiled For Cumberland County Seniors

A Springhill police officer will work full-time on a program aimed at helping to ensure the safety of seniors in Cumberland County.

Const. Doug Williams, a 10-year veteran of the Springhill Police Department, will be released from his regular duty and will focus specifically on the seniors' safety initiative, Justice Minister Murray Scott announced today, May 5.

"The initiative has started in Springhill but it could grow," said Mr. Scott. "It is my intention to evaluate it and, based on that evaluation, possibly adopt it for use throughout the province.

"I have known Doug Williams for years and I believe he is the right person for the job. He is known throughout this area for his dedication and sincerity."

Const. Williams will meet with seniors' organizations as well as individuals. He will also promote programs dealing with the Vial-of-Life; elder abuse prevention; safe banking; health and medication safety; and information about the legal system.

"We are pleased that Const. Williams was able to take on this initiative," said Chief Gary Copeland of the Springhill Police Department. "As police officers we are interested in making sure everyone in our community is safe, and this initiative will help with those efforts."

The initiative is made possible through the financial support of the Department of Justice and is co-ordinated by the Seniors' Secretariat. Funding consists of $15,000 over a three-month period with the possibility of a funding extension.

"I welcome this initiative, not only for what it will do, but for the potential it has," said Valerie White, executive director of the Seniors' Secretariat. "There are many aspects of safety for seniors that have to be addressed. With this initiative we can help seniors live safer lives."