Madison Police DepartmentNoble Wray, Chief of Police 211 S. Carroll St.
Madison, Wisconsin 53703-3303
PH 608 266 4022
FAX 608 267 8705
TTY/Textnet 866 275 6529
Everyday, law enforcement officers from all over the country respond to calls to individuals and families in crisis. These calls often involve children as victims or witnesses. These incidents often become forever etched in the minds of our children as they try to deal with the stress and trauma associated with these events. As first responders, it is not only our job to bring safe resolution to these incidents, but we also need to look at the health and well being of everyone involved – especially the children.
In late 2007, every squad car in the Madison Police Department was equipped with B.A.C.K. packs full of children’s books that officers are able to provide to children who are experiencing crisis or are in need of a welcomed distraction from the events taking place around them. These books have already proven invaluable, as officers share stories where they were able to use these books as not only a great interaction tool with children and their families, but also as an educational escape to children in disturbances, car accidents, domestic disputes and cases of neglect, to name a few.
This initiative is called “With Wings and a Halo, R.E.A.C.H. a Child” and has been the mission of Paul and Chris Gilbertson of Waunakee, Wisconsin. In starting their non-profit organization, the Gilbertsons’ have found a way to profoundly impact the lives of hundreds of area children, as well as the law enforcement officers, that have the opportunity to positively engage the children they come in contact with on a daily basis.
The Madison Police Department is proud to be a part of this initiative as we clearly recognize the many benefits this program brings to our community and police personnel alike. We understand the importance of reading as just one of the avenues to education, and the importance of education to successful child development. It is through positive and creative programs such as this that allows us to continue to make a difference in the communities we serve.
Assistant Chief Randy Gaber
Madison Police Department
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-4049
