Gardai out in force supporting and caring for community
By Mary Dennehy
LOCAL gardai have been out in force supporting and caring for members of its community, which included the surprise delivery of a pet rabbit to a very special resident.
The message coming from the Tallaght district team, which includes both stations in Tallaght and Rathfarnham, is ‘we’re here to help’ – with extra patrols responding to the needs of vulnerable residents and those isolated.
Garda Aidan Thomas with residents social distancing in Tymon Park
While offering practical support like dropping off medication and shopping, local officers are also proving comfort, reassurance and friendship to those who most need it at this uncertain time.
One resident who has been impacted on by local community police is Daisy McDonald.
Little Daisy (7) has Rett syndrome, an extremely rare genetic neurological developmental disorder, and she is cared for at home by her mam Lynn and big sister Ellie.
Last week, Daisy’s pet rabbit Alfie suddenly passed away, leaving Daisy heartbroken and missing her furry pal and comforter.
However, when community police sergeant Emer Lamon heard about Daisy’s loss, she delivered a new pet rabbit to the family home – which has been called Oreo.
Daisy’s mam Lynn told The Echo: “We had Alfie for three years and Daisy was the only person he would sit with.
Daisy with her sister Ellie and Oreo (pic: Lynn McDonald)
“I was in touch with Emer [Lamon] about dropping off some medication in the next few days and I mentioned about the rabbit.
“Within an hour, Emer was back on the phone telling me she had a rabbit and could she drop it up.
“I couldn’t believe it, they didn’t have to do what they did.
“Daisy woke up that morning devastated that her little furry pal was gone and within a few hours she was crying tears of happiness that someone had thought of getting her a new rabbit.
“This means so much, she’s already bonded with Oreo and he just lies into her.
“It’s magic what animals can give to kids like Daisy.
“We can’t thank Emer and the team enough, they really don’t get enough credit.”
Both Sgt Lamon and Lynn wanted to thank Mutz Nutz Petcare which, having a branch in Tallaght and Walkinstown, donated the rabbit to Daisy when they discovered that the gardai were buying it as a surprise and comfort for the family.
Over the past two weeks, Tallaght Garda Station has received five new recruits, fresh out of Templemore, who are complimenting additional patrols across the area.
Checking in on vulnerable in community
“We’re doing extra patrols to encourage people to keep social distancing”, Sgt Lamon told The Echo.
“We’re also checking in on vulnerable people in the community.
“We’re collecting prescriptions, doing shopping for people [who are vulnerable or isolated].
“If there’s anybody else out there that needs support or if you know of someone in your area that needs help, please get in touch.
“That’s what we’re here for, to help.”
She added: “This is very important for someone who is completely isolated.
“It’s about reassuring people, letting them know that we know they are there.”
Sergeant Lamon also urged parents to know where their children and teenagers are.
“We’re asking people to be mindful and to know where their children and teenagers are”, she said.
“It could be their grandparents, their aunt that we’re out to help yet they are taking important resources away from the people who need it.”
As the local Garda force goes above and beyond to support, care and respond to its community, the community unites to support them.
“Food premises in the area have been unbelievable”, Sgt Lamon told The Echo.
“People have been so nice, so decent and dropping in food to the station.
“Everybody right across the community is really working together and supporting each other.
“The level of goodwill within the [Garda] station is also just amazing, everyone is pulling together to help the community.”
Call Tallaght Garda Station on 6666000, Rathfarnham Garda Station on 6666500 or the Community policing unit on 6666020.
