SAVAGE POLICE DEPARTMENT

6000 McColl Drive, Savage, MN 55378

952-882-2600 / Fax: 952-882-2615 / www.cityofsavage.com

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PRESS RELEASE

Savage Police Department set to launch B.A.C.K. Packets Program

The Savage Police Department and non-profit With Wings and a Halo, R.E.A.C.H. a Child, (WW & AH) are launching the B.A.C.K. Packets program this week. B.A.C.K. (Be A Cheerful Kid) Packets are colorful backpacks filled with 10-12 children’s books for various age groups that officers can distribute to children in crisis situations such as accidents, fires, traffic stops, domestic disturbances, etc. The B.A.C.K. Packets can be used as a tool for law enforcement to break the ice with children and be seen as a friend in time of need. The books come stamped with a blank page, which allows the officer a place to write their name before giving to the child.

“Teddy bears can be comforting while they’re held for a short time. With a book, a child can read that for hours. It has a way of taking your mind to a different place and a safer place,” says Paul Gilbertson, Author, Co-founder & CEO, With Wings and a Halo, R.E.A.C.H. A Child.

Through March, 2009 WW & AH has active programs in place in over 250 law enforcement departments in Wisconsin, the entire Wisconsin State Patrol, over 40 law enforcement departments in Illinois, including Chicago, and the Illinois State Patrol. The organization expanded into Minnesota in February and launched the B.A.C.K. Packets program in Prior Lake in March. The B.A.C.K. Packets program was implemented in the St. Paul Police Department, Golden Valley Police Department, Minnetonka Police Department, Wayzata Police Department and the Scott County Sheriff Department in April. In May, commitments have been made by departments in Baxter, Duluth, Savage and more throughout the state.

Executive Director Kris Ackley of With Wings and a Halo presents Crime Prevention Officer Pat Mans with a B.A.C.K. Packet.

 “Police officers have to deal with terrible and tragic situations. This
  book program will give the officers another tool to reach out to
  children who either become victims or witness to these events.
  This is an exciting opportunity to reach out to children and the
  community through a positive initiative. We are proud to partner
  with Wings and a Halo,” said Officer Patrick Mans

  With Wings and a Halo, R.E.A.C.H. a Child has recently
  expanded to include Minnesota, as well as California, Indiana,
  Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, and
  Tennessee.

  Kris Ackley is the Executive Director for the Minnesota Office of
  WW &  AH.

  “It’s a life changing event when a child is in a crisis situation. This
  program is about developing a positive relationship between law
  enforcement agencies and children. The books provide an educational tool as well as providing a distraction from the trauma at hand. As this program gains momentum, I hope to bring it to every city and police agency throughout the entire state.”

WW & AH is actively looking for law enforcement agencies to join the program. In addition, we are seeking funding partners and organizations to volunteer by organizing book drives and stuffing the B.A.C.K. Packets. If you are interested in donating, volunteering for the organization or learning more, please contact Kris Ackley at kris@reachachild.org.

About the Organization. With Wings and a Halo, R.E.A.C.H. a Child was founded in December 2007 in Waunakee, Wisconsin. R.E.A.C.H. stands for Reading Enjoyment Affects Childhood Happiness. Our mission is “To put a smile on the face of a child in need.” The organization has been dubbed the fastest growing Crime Prevention Program in Wisconsin and has been endorsed by numerous law enforcement agencies including the Wisconsin State Patrol, Madison Police Department, Badger State Sheriff’s Association, Wisconsin Chief of Police Association and Wisconsin First Lady Jessica Doyle. In just over a year of existence, the organization has distributed over 50,000 books through law enforcement officers. For more information, visit our website at www.withwingsandahalo.org.