MISHAWAKA, Ind. — ABC57’s Blake Parker chatted with Mishawaka Police Department and Indiana State Police (ISP) Friday evening, hearing who officers keep themselves safe in warm while helping the community on very cold days.
On Friday, the temperature was in the single digits across Michiana. On days like that, ISP said an officer’s preparedness can help keep everyone safe.
“...we have to dress in layers under our uniform with thermals… also layer up with a coat, gloves, and insulated winter boots. When on a scene that requires extended periods of time outside such as a crash you have to warm up in our car when needed. It physically takes a toll requiring decent sleep when off, if possible, and just like in hot weather you have to stay hydrated. It’s more difficult in this type of weather because you don’t get thirsty like in hot weather,” explained ISP Sgt. Ted Bohner.
Mishawaka Sgt. Steve Headley said Mishawaka officer work together on shift, switching up the routine to keep warm.
“If we have a crime scene or a crash or something like that where we’re going to have to be out in the elements for a while, we’ll rotate maybe a lot quicker or a lot more frequently than we normally would in better weather… maybe drink some extra coffee, something to warm your core up, and if you have to be outside for a while, make sure that you get ahold of one of your partners and maybe swap out so you can thaw out a little bit,” said Sgt. Headley.