Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Law enforcement is considered a brotherhood, with officers nationwide acknowledging one another no matter where they meet.
But what about the spouses of those officers? Often, wives of fellow officers within the same department have never met one another. A newly organized support group is hoping to change that.
K-County Ladies Police Auxiliary wants to provide not just support for one another, but meals and babysitting for families in the event of an officer's injury or illness.
Tanya Bale, wife of Cpl. Craig Bale of the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, said the idea came about after the local 9/11 parade. Bale said she was impressed how everyone was able to pull together in a time of crisis, but said it would be nice to have interaction during good times as well.
Deb Miotto's husband, Rich, is an officer with the Milford Police Department and Deb said she first met the wife of another Milford officer when that man was struck by a car. Miotto said it would have been nice to have known Tim Miller's wife before showing up at the emergency room.
"We needed something to get to know one another," Bale said.
The group is open to spouses and children of all police and conservation officers in Kosciusko County. A picnic for all officers is planned for later this year.
A fund-raiser to establish start-up costs for the group for purchasing food and other items to provide assistance among the law enforcement agencies is set for 5 to 8 p.m. June 23 at Pizza Hut on North Detroit Street in Warsaw. Tickets for the event are $5.99 for adults and $2.99 for children under age 12. Walk-ins also are welcome.
An account for the auxiliary has been set up at Teachers Credit Union and donations are welcome.
Officers for the group are Miotto, president; Bale, vice president; Jody Hill (wife of Cpl. Chad Hill of the KCSD), first vice president; Ranissa Oliver (wife of KCSD Deputy Ricky Oliver), secretary; Karen Saffen (wife of Department of Natural Resources conservation officer Mike Saffen), treasurer; and Holly Owens (wife of Deputy Dalis Owens of the KCSD), corresponding secretary.
For more information or to join the group, contact Miotto at 267-6850 or Bale at 453-4821.
