Full Notification

Routinely, patrol officers handle incidents where children are exposed to trauma and most often, it is difficult to alleviate the stress and long term effects of trauma. They become anxious and scared, and often do not fully understand what is happening around them. Employees of the Janesville Police came together and went above and beyond their normal job expectations on April 5^th, 2022. Employees embraced teamwork and took the initiative to give the highest level of care and comfort when a four-year-old child was exposed to a traumatic event.
 
On April 5^th, 2022 at 6:30 pm officers were sent to an adult passed out in a vehicle near Parker Place and E. Milwaukee St. Upon arrival, officers found the car was not running with an adult male passed out behind the wheel. Officers began addressing the needs of the male while at the same time, noticing a four-year-old little girl buckled in a car seat in the back of the vehicle. She showed signs of distress and was removed from the vehicle by officers for safety.
 
The officers learned the child was in the car for a long period time but the exact amount of time was undetermined. She was taken to the Janesville Police Department so she could be appropriately cleaned, clothed, and fed until a responsible family member was able to come and get her.
 
Officer Joseph Fox was not on the scene of the investigation, but was alerted the child needed clean clothing. He went to his own home, where he and his wife compiled clean clothing to donate for the child to wear.
 
At the Janesville Police Department, Records Clerks Rachael Anthoney and Holly Garey immediately stepped away from their work assignments to aid in helping the four-year-old little girl feel comfortable. Holly went and gathered food and treats for her to snack on. The girl was then dressed in the clothing provided by Officer Fox’s family. Rachael went as far as to braid her hair after cleaning her up and putting her into fresh clothing.
 
The Janesville Police Department would like to publicly recognize and thank Officer Joseph Fox, Records Clerk Rachael Anthoney, and Records Clerk Holly Garey. They made sure the child felt safe and comfortable during such a difficult time. This is one of the examples in which employees of the Janesville Police Department often go above and beyond their normal job expectations to serve the Janesville Community.