By Nick Vlahos
Journal Star, Peoria, Ill.
PEORIA, Ill. — Police aid helped some East Bluff youths reopen their lemonade stand, which was robbed late last week.
Jude Peterson, a 13-year-old, and friends and siblings have been operating the stand all summer in their neighborhood, at California and Forrest Hill avenues in Peoria. But two apparently older youths stole about $30 from them at gunpoint the afternoon of Aug. 7.
Peoria police who were investigating the theft had asked what they could do to make the children feel safe again, according to Jude’s father, Nathan Peterson.
Apparently, officers found an answer.
When Jude and friends opened for business Tuesday, a parade of police cars greeted them. According to Nathan Peterson, at the front of the line was a police nuisance-abatement truck, known as an “armadillo.”
Police Chief Loren Marion was among officers who visited. They raised an unspecified amount of money and donated it to the budding entrepreneurs.
The officers also purchased lemonades. So did a lot of civilians, apparently.
“I may have cried a little,” Nathan Peterson wrote in a Facebook post.
For all the grief police are receiving nationally these days -- some of it justified -- it’s worth remembering most officers are trying to do a difficult job the best they can.
Sometimes, they go over and above the call of duty. It looks like Tuesday was one of those times.
People noticed. Well, at least one person did. And his appreciation went well beyond the blue.
“Our hearts are overwhelmed by the love and support of the community — people from totally different backgrounds, police, everyone — all rallying around these boys,” wrote Nathan Peterson, a professional musician.
“I’ve spent the last several years writing about finding life in the midst of chaos. To see it happen in real life, in my neighborhood, with my kids, is so special.”
https://twitter.com/PenguinSix/status/1294661216145678341
©2020 the Journal Star (Peoria, Ill.)