When we think about police officers, we often think about their tough side — the side that is fearless, displays unmatched courage and demands respect for the law.
But there is another side. The human side. The side that cares deeply for the community, has a heart for service, and genuinely loves people. This was the side that showed up on June 9 when Somerset Police Department Officers Danielle Strickland and James Sizemore were dispatched to Somersplash Waterpark.
Marquita Straus — a mental health therapist, travel writer, content creator and Seattle, Washington, resident — woke up that day as a healthy 36-year-old who was exploring Kentucky with her daughters, ages 9 and 5, for a work-related travel campaign. Little did she know this was the day that would change her life forever. Within a few short hours, while at Somersplash with her children, Marquita would suffer from a massive ischemic stroke.
When they heard the call, Officers Sizemore and Strickland took immediate action to care for Marquita’s terrified daughters, who could not go along in the ambulance with her as she was transported to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital and later, the University of Kentucky Hospital.
Watch the story of SPD’s effort to help this family in the video above.
