#2 Act of Kindness: Supporting Officer Zachary Spires

Zoe and Zarya Spires

                                                             
We are often asked, "What does Signal 13 mean? How did you come up with that for your company name?" For many police departments Signal 13 is a distress code meaning an officer is in need of immediate assistance. We thought it was a clever name for a company whose mission was to train officer to become better at what they do. I can not think of a more appropriate name to associate with this weeks Act of Kindness/Remembrance. Over the past few weeks while trying to come up with ideas for our 52 acts I have searched the internet using phrases like "Officer in need of assistance," or "Help a police officer." What I learned is that unfortunately, there are no shortage of officers with serious needs. One of the most heartbreaking stories I have come across is that of Officer Zachary Spires, of the Orlando Police Department. On September 27th, Officer Spires' wife, Monica Harris-Spires, gave birth to twin girls, Zoe and Zarya. One week after the birth, Monica's condition deteriorated rapidly and she died unexpectedly, leaving Officer Spires to raise the two babies by himself. Monica was only 35 years old. Officer Spires also has two older children from a previous relationship.

I have never met Officer Spires, but it is no surprise that when I did some research on him for this entry I found information about him on the internet detailing kind deeds he had done during his career. One of the things I came upon was a recognition by the city council of Orlando for one of Officer Spires' deeds. It read:

Officer Zachary Spires

"In December 2002 Officer Spires participated in the Orlando Police Department's Angel Tree Project, where the department's employees purchased toys for needy children. Officer Spires sponsored 11 children, purchasing six bicycles along with clothing and toys. Additionally, Officer Spires made a generous monetary donation to the project and solicited donations from other sources. Because of his generosity and devotion to the children of Orlando, Officer Zachary Spires was awarded the Outstanding Employee Award."

By all accounts he appears to be a typical cop that cares about his community. How sadly ironic that a man known for his generosity and compassion for children in need, now has children of his own in need. It is time for the good deeds of Officer Spires to be repaid with the generosity and kindness of others.

We have sent a care package consisting of diapers, new dresses and teddy bears to Officer Spires and his family. We hope you are inspired to share your kindness with them as well. Even as little as a card letting them know you think about and pray for them is invaluable.

If you would like to send them care packages they can be mailed to the following address:

                                       Officer Spires Family
                                       Attn: Lt. Pursley
                                       Orlando Police Department
                                       100 S. Hughey Ave.
                                        Orlando, Florida 32801

If you would like to send a monetary contribution, a fund has been established in Monica Harris-Spires memory. Make  checks payable to the Benefit Account for Monica Spires and mail it to 1117 S. Westmoreland Drive, Orlando, FL 32805.