Two Charlotte County deputies go above and beyond to help a family in need.
Earlier this month, two Charlotte County deputies responded to the Murdock Circle Walmart in Port Charlotte after Walmart staff called regarding a family setting up a tarp in the parking lot. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with an adult female and her four teenage children. The family had no vehicle, no money, and no available shelter. Due to heavy rainstorms in the area at the time, they had set up the tarp in an attempt to stay dry. The mother explained that she and her children had previously been staying with a friend but were no longer able to remain there and had left earlier that evening. As a result, the family had nowhere to go for the night.
The mother asked deputies for assistance in locating churches or other organizations that might be able to help them find temporary shelter. The deputies provided information regarding several potential resources, including the Charlotte CARE Center (formerly the Homeless Coalition). However, due to the late hour, none of the available resources were able to secure placement for the family right away.
Recognizing the family’s immediate need, Deputies Anabel Wadlington and David Dziedzic discussed possible solutions. Unwilling to leave the family without shelter overnight, Deputy Wadlington took the initiative to research available hotel accommodations and located a room at a local hotel. She then used her own personal funds to pay for the room, securing a safe, dry place to for the family to stay while they worked toward finding more permanent arrangements the following day. Deputy Dziedzic generously purchased a meal for the family after learning they had not eaten in several hours.
The actions of these deputies reflect the highest standards of law enforcement and exemplify the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office core values of Integrity, Professionalism, and Trust. Through their selfless actions, Deputy Wadlington and Deputy Dziedzic made a meaningful difference in the lives of a family in crisis and demonstrated the positive impact that compassionate, community-oriented policing can have.
“Deputies go above and beyond every single day, and unfortunately, the public rarely sees or hears about it. That’s because the deputies don’t seek recognition; they just do what needs to be done. In this case, their supervisor shared this with me, and I am grateful that they did. Because this is what CCSO is all about – keeping people safe, whatever that looks like in the moment. To that mother – and anyone else who may be struggling right now – know that there are resources and that things will get better. You are stronger than your circumstances. Believe in yourself and never quit!”
Sheriff Bill Prummell
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