Boston Police Raise Money To Help Officers Deal With Marathon Bombings Trauma
BOSTON (CBS) - With pomp and circumstance, Boston's finest stepped out in their dress blues Saturday night for an event to raise money for the Boston Police Foundation, which provides private financial support to the department.
Police Commissioner William Evans said the funds raised will help officers heal from the trauma of the Boston Marathon bombings.
"After the marathon, a lot of the officers were severely impacted and they thought appropriate that a lot of the proceeds from tonight are going to support the peer support unit in the department," Evans told WBZ-TV.
Boston Police are preparing for a record turnout at this year's race. Runners and spectators should expect to see a lot more security than past years.
But, there are concerns that too many officers might scare the public.
Former police commissioner and current WBZ-TV Security Analyst Ed Davis said officers are training to be "customer friendly."
"That's the difference here. It's not going to be the number of officers in uniform, it's going to be what they do and how they act," Davis said.
Also attending the event, former Boston Police Commissioner and current New York City Comissioner William Bratton.
"Boston, I think, has shown itself, very capable of dealing with the many issues that surround the successful running of that marathon."
WBZ-TV helped sponsor Saturday's event. Money raised will not only help peer counseling, but also helps fund programs like Crimestoppers and "Text a Tip."
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