As President of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, I am proud to support the Kits 4 Kids initiative. These kits have the potential to lessen children's traumatic experiences during encounters with law enforcement, redirecting the focus of the moment toward a positive exchange. We at NOBLE are committed to working with organizations that better our communities, and we believe these kits will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children we serve." Rodney Bryant, NOBLE President.
"A child's first interaction with first responders should not be a traumatic experience," said Cliff Lafferty, director of Community Support Services, Shelby County (Tenn.) Sheriff's Office. "During routine law enforcement duties, situations involving adults can sometimes leave children as innocent bystanders. Thanks to First Responder Kits4Kids for introducing this crucial initiative to Shelby County and ensuring that our youngest citizens feel supported during these encounters."
P. Mitchell McKinney (Police Chief Police Chief):
On July 11, 2024, Members of Law Enforcement organizations in Alamance County partnered with Kevin Gatlin and James Fisher-Davis, the founders of First Responder Kits4Kids. These two outstanding community partners are the dads behind the creation of these kits. They designed the First Responder Kits4Kids as a distraction kit to aid first responders when interacting with children. The two combined their strengths to develop the kits, which have been featured on ABC, Spectrum News, and CBS News. Recent news story https://lnkd.in/eR58zV-B
Shortly after assembling these kits, Mebane Police Department officers responded to a domestic incident in our parking lot during a child custody exchange. One child, visibly distressed and crying, was particularly affected by the situation. When I opened a Kits4Kids package and showed her the contents, her attention immediately shifted. The kit effectively distracted her from the emotionally charged behavior of her parent. In this critical moment, Kits4Kids proved to be an invaluable tool, providing comfort and diversion when this child needed it most.
