Woodstock's Senior Call-in Program needs more users

One of the best-kept secrets in Woodstock is the Senior Citizen Call-in Program of the Woodstock Police Department. It was designed to provide an extra layer of security to senior citizens in Woodstock who live on their own.

Here's how it works. A Woodstock senior citizen fills out a form, signs a waiver and then registers those forms at the Woodstock Police Department, along with keys to his residence. Each day the senior citizen contacts the P.D. by 10:00AM. All it takes is "Hi, this is Gus. I'm okay."

If the senior doesn't call by 10:00AM, the telecommunicator (dispatcher) will begin a follow-up procedure, starting with a phone call to the senior. If there is no answer, a police officer will be dispatched with the key to the senior's residence. The officer will knock; if there is no answer, the officer will enter.

The program is explained on the Police Department's webpages, which can be found through the City's website at www.woodstockil.gov/  Roll your mouse over City Departments (on the left); continue rolling over Police and then click on Community Programs/Services. Then search for and click on Senior Citizen Call-In Program.

Service agencies, such as Faith in Action and McHenry County Senior Services, could publicize this program and encourage seniors to register. Churches can promote it. Dorr and Greenwood Townships could promote it. Woodstock Fire Rescue District could promote it. Seniors at the new Coffee with the City at Stage Left Cafe could sign up on the spot. Perhaps The Woodstock Independent would cooperate with an insert of the registration forms (which could be printed two-sided).

All senior citizens, with limited exceptions, should be eligible, whether single or married. It doesn't matter whether they live in a house or apartment.