Southside Stroll neighbors Daria Ferreira, Kim Ledesma and Heather Wrigley attended the 8-week Sarasota Police Department Citizens Academy together.  The Academy is an opportunity for citizens to engage with officers, learn about officer training and the purpose of each of the individual special units.  It was an astounding, instructional and inspiring experience.  The Academy gave a real-life perspective of the various challenges officers must overcome and decisions they must make when responding to dangerous scenarios such as a suicide or active shooter call. Each participated in the non-mandatory ride alongs and were able to witness first-hand the dedication and selflessness of the men and women officers who keep our community safe and thriving 24/7.  

 

After graduating from the citizens academy, Heather and Daria were inspired to volunteer for the Sarasota Police Department.  Their first volunteer opportunity came as a request from Officer Nelson of the K-9 Unit to paint designs with names of the K-9s on each wall of their kennels. The purpose was to give handlers assigned spaces for their K-9 partners to relax and recharge in their own familiar territory before their next call to duty.  He also envisioned the K-9 units logo on the wall of the Kennel.

 

Luckily for SPD, Heather has a secret love of drawing and painting as a hobby, however had never before painted on block walls.   After researching proper paint and sealants to use and drafting several designs, one image was chosen for the K-9 unit’s Kennels.  Heather knew she needed her friend and “partner in crime”, Daria Ferreira to help execute this project to make it perfect.  

 

Daria carefully laid out the placement of the letters and geometric aspects of the designs on the wall using her talent for detail, measuring and tracing.  Heather gave the Kennel silhouettes a unique modern flare and brought the K-9 logo to life with brush strokes showing variations in fur color and a focused driven gaze.

 

The duo was happy to donate their time and talents to turn the plain white kennel walls into colorful art that reflect the spirit of the unit and their K-9 partners.

 

Heather is on the board of directors for the Sarasota Police Foundation, (SPF).  SPF works with private donors, foundations and businesses to support the equipment, training, wellness and outreach efforts of the Sarasota Police Department.  To date, SPF has given over $40,000 through their disaster emergency relief fund to officers and employees affected by recent hurricanes.  If you are interested in supporting SPF, the Blue and White Gala will be on February 1, 2025, at Michael’s on East.  

 

The next project for Heather and Daria will be for SPD’s SWAT unit.  Stay tuned!!!