TOP STORY OF THE DAY: BPD Officer recognized for recent service to community

Local law enforcement provides around-the-clock service to the community. One Brazil Police Department patrolman working the night shift in Brazil has proved that last month.

Police Chief Clint McQueen says officers from the city, county, Indiana State Police, and the Department of Natural Resources are always on duty.

“But we have had one officer that stood out last month,” said McQueen about veteran Patrolman Casey Harder, Assistant Chief Dennis Archer agrees.

On Tuesday, February 9, 2022, around 9:30 p.m. - Patrolman Harder was patrolling in the area of Church Street when he noticed excessive smoke. Harder tracked it down, reported the situation, and the Brazil Fire department could contain the fire that ignited from an electric smoker. Pappy’s Barbeque and Traditions Banquet Hall sustained smoke fire damages, closing the business until the insurance claim and repairs could be completed.

“Any time we have a fire in these multistory downtown buildings, it’s a big deal,” Fire Chief Jake Bennett said about the situation that could have been much worse. “There are many void spaces and areas for fire to spread quickly, and we can have trouble in more than one business or building.”

On Thursday, February 17, 2022, around 2:16 a.m. - Harder responded to a call about a suicidal female at Forest Park. Within minutes of his arrival in the park, Harder located a distraught female standing on a piling under the bridge on the park’s north side. She had a strap dangling above her head and wrapped around her neck.

After several minutes of intense conversation, Harder talked the female down off the piling safely and without injury. Officers were able to get the female the help she needed.

“That’s our job, to help maintain public safety,” said Archer, adding calls to help someone experiencing mental health issues - and really bad emotional days for a multitude of reasons - happen weekly. “A lot of the public doesn’t see that part of our jobs. And we respond to these types of calls a lot more than they realize. They are becoming more and more common.”

Both Archer and McQueen said law enforcement cares about each of our citizens’ safety from crime and their mental health. They urge the public if they know someone is thinking about suicide and looking for emotional support.

The department provided several options for the public to consider.

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255, with representatives available at any time.

Texting is also available; text “IN” to 741741 for free 24/7 crisis counseling.

The “Trevor Project Lifeline” is a confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ+ youth. Please call 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678-678 for assistance.

Military service veterans can contact the Veteran’s Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 or press 1 to begin a text message conversation.

“We are happy to provide information and are happy to offer assistance,” said McQueen, who spoke for Harder, who was at home resting up for his next night shift. “Law enforcement’s job is not always the way national media portray it to be. We really care about our community.”

Archer agreed, adding that Harder is only one of the many law enforcement officers (and first responders) out there daily working to protect and serve the residents of Clay County.

On Sunday, before reporting for duty, Harder said working the night shift has its specific challenges.

“It does put some strain on family and social life, but like anything, you eventually get used to it,” said Harder, who appreciates all the good wishes from the community recently. “However, these things are not specific to me as nearly every officer has responded to similar situations. I am glad to see them brought to light, though. I think it really shines a light on the types of calls officers respond to regularly and gives the public a glimpse of the many hats officers wear.”

Harder admits he does take pride in being part of one of the situations.

“I’m pretty proud to have helped with catching the fire at Pappy’s early enough to avoid a total loss,” said Harder with a smile. “It’s one of my favorite places to eat in town.”