To protect and serve: Athens police go the extra mile for dialysis patient

ATHENS – What began as a seemingly routine, yet heartbreaking, welfare check call quickly transformed into a heartwarming display of compassion by Athens police officers.

The emergency call came recently from DaVita Athens Dialysis Center after concern arose that one of their patients had missed a crucial appointment.

According to Athens Police Chief Anthony Pressnell, calls from treatment centers usually never have a positive outcome.

Recognizing the urgency of the call, Officer Bobby Hand and Sgt. Patrick Minor were immediately dispatched to the patient’s residence. After several anxious minutes, the officers were able to make contact with the patient.

The patient then revealed to them the predicament that led to missing the appointment: They had lost their car keys and had no other way to get to the dialysis center.

Understanding the critical nature of these appointments, Hand and Minor, with a profound sense of their sworn duty to protect and serve the residents of Athens, took it upon themselves to transport the patient to DaVita Athens Dialysis Center.

But their care did not stop there.

Upon arrival at the center, Hand urged the staff to contact the department once the patient’s treatment was completed, making sure the patient had a ride home.

Nearly four hours later, the dialysis center called and APD remained true to its word.

Officer Joe Kimery quickly responded, picking up the patient and returning them home.

Pressnell commended his officers’ actions, noting that they are not required to transport residents, but this was a great example of the department’s commitment to the well-being of their citizens.

“This incident truly speaks a lot about the character and heart of our officers,” Pressnell said. “They are not just here to enforce laws; they are here to serve our community and this is a great example of that. Officer Hand, Sergeant Minor and Officer Kimery really exemplified what it means to go above and beyond the call of duty, this is something this person had to have and these officers made sure the person got the treatment needed.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the compassion they showed, this was an outstanding job on all of their parts.”