Advance Auto Parts and the Westfield Police Department are partnering to help motorists address vehicle equipment issues. Advance Auto Parts is donating $1000 worth of $25 gift cards to the department. Officers will have the option of giving a gift card to fix minor car issues such as a broken taillight, instead of issuing a citation.
“This program has a lot of positives”, said Westfield’s Public Information Officer, Captain Stephen Dickinson. “Especially during the current economic climate, this helps people financially to resolve equipment issues with their vehicles, rather than hitting them in the wallet with a money citation…especially with the holiday season a short time away. It will help relieve the burden for some people who would have to pay a citation AND repair their vehicle. It also not only benefits Advance Auto Parts by attracting customers, but it creates a positive interaction between the Police Department and our community. The main goal is to help ensure that all motorists are safe.”
Sgt. Doug LaValley learned about the program from a teacher at a Leadership Training he attended this past year. He thought it would be a great idea to look into and approach his administration with it.
This partnership with Advance Auto Parts is a good step in helping the department develop community-oriented engagement.