When the world shutdown in March 2020, a lot of things changed, including the role of Officer Jillian Donnelly of the Everett Police Department. When her main role as a School Resource Officer was put on hold as schools were closed, she shifted gears to meet the changing needs of her community, leaning into her role as Community Outreach Officer to aid the vulnerable homeless population in the city.
Along with her Sargeant, Dennis O’Donnell, Officer Donnelly was tasked with building a rapport with the growing transient population, many of whom gather in Everett Square.
Officer Donnelly, who says she has a “soft spot” for this population and truly likes to help people, was more than up to the task and began establishing relationships and gradually gaining their trust.