11 Precinct Ride Along

Starfish President and Founder Nicole Banks had the opportunity to go on a ride along yesterday with Columbus Division of Police Officer Dan Snyder, who patrols 11 Precinct in South Central Columbus, the same precinct that helped us assist Miss Mary recently. South Side Neighborhood Liaison Katherine Cull, whose brother, Officer Kyle Cull, also works 11 Precinct, and who both helped with Miss Mary, sent us a gift with her love: a homemade Reese’s Cup cheesecake! We declared it the finest cheesecake we’ve ever tasted, truly delicious and much appreciated.

During the ride along, Officer Snyder arrested a man with felony warrants, giving Nicole her first look at the new Franklin County jail. She also observed a man who was transported, at his own request, to a medical facility for mental health treatment. Through it all, she learned a great deal about the neighborhood, one Officer Snyder has served for nearly 12 years.

The most intense call of the day came when a 3-year-old girl was reported missing after last being seen playing hide and seek. Several officers quickly responded to the home and began a thorough search, checking every possible hiding spot. Officer Snyder found her behind the washing machine, grinning.

“Shhhh! Don’t tell Mommy I’m here! I’m hiding!” she whispered excitedly.

“You’ve been hiding for 40 minutes,” he said. “Will you come out if I give you a sticker?”

He radioed the other officers, who were relieved and happy to hear she was safe. She accepted her sticker and proudly declared victory in hide and seek. (But we have to admit, those officers are pretty good finders.)

Thank you to the officers of 11A for allowing Nicole to accompany you and learn from you. And thank you to CPD and all law enforcement officers for what you do every day. Most of us can’t fully understand what you go through, but we appreciate the sacrifices you make and the burdens you carry on our behalf.