Camden Police Help Community in Extreme NJ Heatwave

Discover how the Camden Police's Senior Watch Program is building trust and protecting the most vulnerable residents during a dangerous heatwave.

by Admin

Aug 8, 2025

Two Camden police officers from the Community Outreach Unit provide assistance during a summer heatwave.

As a dangerous heatwave settled over South Jersey, pushing the heat index into the triple digits, families across Camden sought any relief they could find. For resident Ashanti Mortise, the solution was Farnham Park. "Originally, we were going to go swimming, but we weren't able to do that," she explained. "So I said let's just come to the park, play in the sprinklers and just enjoy the outside weather, but it was real hot, so we have to have some type of water." Like many others, she found a way to cope at one of the city's 11 spray parks, where kids could enjoy the simple joy of cold water on a scorching day.

More Than a Badge: A Helping Hand

While children found fun in the sprinklers, the Camden County Police Department’s Community Outreach Unit understood that for many, especially the elderly, this weather was no game. The officers took to the streets as part of a proactive effort to protect the community’s most vulnerable residents. They delivered cases of water and new fans to those in need, offering not just supplies but also peace of mind. This compassionate policing is a core part of the department’s Senior Watch Program, an initiative designed to provide year-round support for the elderly.

During their rounds, officers visited with residents like Tomasa Rodriguez. "No, I don't like this weather, I don't like it," she shared. "When I was younger, yeah, but not now." The officers didn't just drop off supplies; they took the time to talk with her and ensure her air conditioner was working properly. This simple check-in is a powerful example of community caretaking. It’s about building a bond of trust that extends far beyond emergency response.

Cooling the City, Warming the Heart

According to Lt. Luis Gonzalez of the Camden County police, these interactions are fundamental to strengthening the relationship between officers and the public. "Even if it's just via phone call checking up on them to see if they need anything, anything that is essential to keep them cool," he said. "Even in the wintertime, as simple as throwing some salt and shoveling, they really appreciate it. Connects a bond between the citizens, especially seniors, and the officers." This commitment, combined with Camden County opening official cooling centers to provide residents with a safe place to cool off during the day, shows a comprehensive approach to public safety and well-being.

A Final Thought

The work of the Camden County Police Department’s Community Outreach Unit is a powerful reminder that protecting and serving come in many forms. True service isn’t always about responding to a crisis; often, it's about making sure one never happens. By proactively checking on their neighbors, these officers demonstrated that the heart of policing is guardianship. They showed that a simple act of compassion is one of the most powerful tools for strengthening a community.

To read more about the officers making a difference in their communities, explore other articles on our site.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What do the Camden County Police do during the heatwave?

The Camden County Police Department's Community Outreach Unit is actively on the streets providing heatwave relief. Officers hand out bottled water and fans to residents and perform wellness checks on vulnerable populations, particularly senior citizens.

2. What is the Camden Police Senior Watch Program?

The Senior Watch Program is a community policing initiative where officers regularly check in on enrolled senior citizens. This can be through phone calls or in-person visits to ensure they are safe and have what they need, not just during heatwaves but throughout the year.

3. Who leads the community outreach efforts for Camden Police?

The department’s Community Outreach Unit, with guidance from officers like Lt. Luis Gonzalez, leads these efforts. They focus on proactive, non-enforcement activities that build trust and support the community directly.

4. Where can residents sign up for the Senior Watch Program?

Residents can sign themselves or a loved one up for the Senior Watch Program through the department's official website, making it accessible for families to ensure their elderly relatives are looked after.