Team 5 officers receive heartfelt show of support from DI community

In a nation where headlines scream of unrest, division and deadly violence, members of the Daniel Island community sought to come together last Friday in a show of support for the City of Charleston Team 5 police officers who have pledged to serve and protect them.

The effort began with a couple of social media posts on July 9 by Daniel Island resident Karen Raduazo, after she heard about the horrific police shootings in Dallas, Texas. She asked if anyone might be interested in helping to plan lunch for the officers, so the community could let them know how much they are appreciated.

“People were just so responsive,” she said. “They started donating and offering ways they could help…It was just phenomenal to see how our community came together, and it became so much bigger than I anticipated!”

Jimmy John’s of Mount Pleasant donated boxed lunches for the officers and Tiers of Joy Cakes provided a personalized “Team 5” cake. Daniel Island Publix, Tiger Lily Florist, Mac’s Place, Bakies Bakery, SunTrust Bank and a host of Daniel Island residents also pitched in. Gift certificates were donated by Sandy’s Cleaners, Outback Steakhouse (Rivers Avenue, North Charleston), Vespa, LIDI, and Sermet’s. Anchor Signs contributed a large banner that residents and other community members decorated with messages of support. Additionally, the Daniel Island “Joy YES Project” and “Hello! Daniel Island!” donated $300 towards the effort.

On July 22, officers were invited to join members of the community in the Team 5 office on Seven Farms Drive to take part in the specially prepared luncheon. When Officer Edward Jones saw the display, surrounded by island residents, his eyes welled up.

“I got a little emotional,” said Jones, a Team 5 investigator. “It means a lot to us. It really does. Just people coming up and saying thank you…It goes a long way.”

“He was so sweet when he started talking,” said Daniel Island resident Diane Spignardo, after hearing Officer Jones share a few words with the group gathered. “He said ‘it’s a stressful job and to have people do this for us means so much.’ He was overcome…It’s nice to be able to do something positive for them!”

“We’re so grateful for them,” added island resident Gina Shaw, who, along with other community members, took turns hugging officers and shaking their hands.

“It makes me feel good that at least somebody is on our side,” said Officer Tony Daniels, while enjoying his sandwich. “Not all of us are bad. Not all of us are out to get everybody. We have a job to do and we do it. It’s tough.”

Officer Tina Scales commended the community for taking the time to recognize the team’s efforts.

“I think it’s good because they realize that when we’re out here, especially out here, that we’re here for the community,” she said. “And to make sure that everybody is safe.”

“We’re definitely very appreciative to the community for doing this event for us,” added Officer Nick Luong.

“It’s great to see the show of support!” stated Officer Ben Pastva.

Officer J. Fort attended the festivities with his wife, Jennifer, and daughter, Alexis. Both Jennifer and Alexis helped support the luncheon and have also put up ribbons in the community as a tribute to those who serve.

“There’s so much negative publicity,” he said, when asked what the event meant to him. “To know that you do have support, to know that you’re not the bad guy when you’re wearing the badge, that you are the good guy. You are the one out there trying to make a difference...We don’t do this job for money. We didn’t sign up because it was a great paycheck. We did it because of a sense of loyalty, and commitment and community. And that’s what it’s all about.”

“Daniel Island is one of those places that is just so special,” added Jennifer, who noted that she and her family are residents of the community. “But it has its own set of problems, and I think we see that a little bit more because we live it. So it’s really nice to see the community come together when other communities are falling apart, and just rally around the people that protect and serve them, and to appreciate them.”

Seeing the officers’ reactions was especially meaningful, she said.

“To have tears of gratitude in their eyes for something so small… was just so special and wonderful.”

A total of $1425 was collected as part of the effort, added Raduazo. She plans to use the leftover funds to provide future meals for “Daniel Island’s men and women in blue.”

“It means so much to them,” continued Raduazo. “It just hits you. That’s the purpose. That’s why we did this…The more support we can give them, the better.”