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Flatfoots present Platypuses to say thanks to 3rd grade
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · December 01, 2016
A few weeks ago, third-graders Larkin Brown and Alexis Isabel took up a collection for the West Branch Police Department.
Last week, the WBPD repaid the kindness by giving books to the entire class.
Larkin said she and Alexis got the idea for the gift when they saw “how much police and firefighters are in danger” doing their jobs.
“We depend on them for protection,” she said.
The two 9-year-olds presented their donation in an envelope during lunch to Ofc. Cathy Steen, who spends time each week visiting West Branch schools as the student resource officer.
“Sometimes there’s not a lot of money for people,” Larkin said. “(The police) need new stuff and food they can eat and to get some equipment.”
Steen said she was “touched by their thoughtfulness” and wanted to do something in return.
With the blessing of Police Chief Mike Horihan, Steen purchased four books in the Platypus Police Squad series, and she and the full-time officers showed up Nov. 22 to recognize Larkin and Alexis and present the books.
Third-grade teacher Angie Miller organized things from the school’s end and the five officers waited outside the classrooms in the shared pod. When everyone came out and took a seat, Steen stepped up to give “a very special thank-you” to the school staff who organized a box full of drinks, snacks and cards showing their appreciation following the shooting police officers in Des Moines and Urbandale.
She then called for Larkin and Alexis to come forward, though Alexis was, unfortunately, out sick.
Steen said the girls were “a product of their teachers” by organizing a similar show of appreciation.
Sgt. John “Kory” Hanna and officers Wesley “Wes” Homeister and Derek Holmes helped her present the books to Larkin and three classmates, who then held up the books to the rest of the pupils.
“Thank you!” the pupils shouted in reply.
Larkin said she was certainly surprised.
“That was really nice of them,” Larkin said, giving Steen a hug.
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