Sunrise Rotary Reimburses Officer Gray Under KOPS Program

The Rotary Club of Marco Island Sunrise reimbursed Officer Jonathan Gray of Marco Island Police Department reimbursement of funds he spent to help a stranded motorist under its KOPS program. The Club presented a check in its recent breakfast meeting.

Officer Gray bought a ride home for a person with auto damage. Officer Gray explained, “in this line of work, it is unusual for an officer to pay for his or her own pocket to help someone in need. It could be a meal, shoes or just about anything. I have been a police officer for years and this is the first time I have ever been reimbursed.”

KOPS is an acronym for Kindness On Patrol Service. Under the KOPS program, Marco Police Officers, Community Service Officers, Reserve Officers and Auxiliary are reimbursed when they personally pay for something to meet an immediate need of a Marco Islander. If a Marco officer finds someone in need, the officer is authorized to purchase needed items and request reimbursement through the KOPS program administrator, Attorney William G. Morris. Officer Gray saw a need and took action to ensure that the recipient received needed food. Officers may not provide cash or cash equivalent to a recipient but can meet an immediate need. 

Requests for reimbursement under the KOPS program are submitted to a shift supervisor for signature and transmittal to Sunrise Rotary. Discretion is given to the officers as to meeting an immediate need and approval for reimbursement is as close to automatic as possible. 

The KOPS program is complimentary to Chief Frazzano’s “Better Together” program and her efforts to make Marco Island Police a more integral part of the community. Chairman Morris stated, “It is an honor to support our police officers. Officer Gray is a stellar example of the concern our police have for our community.” 

For further information about the KOPS program, please contact Bill Morris at wgm@wgmorrislaw.com.

For more information about the Sunrise Rotary and its activities please visit the Rotary Club of Marco Island Sunrise website at www.marcosunriserotary.com.