Korean War Veterans Association donates PPE to Copperas Cove Police Department

By BRITTANY FHOLER 

Cove Leader-Press 

The Department of Texas- Korean War Veterans Association donated 500 K94 masks to the Copperas Cove Police Department Friday afternoon. 

The masks were part of a shipment sent to KWVA Department of Texas Commander and National Director Eddie Bell from the consulate general of the Republic of South Korea in Houston, on behalf of the South Korean government. 

The masks are part of an ongoing effort to honor the American veterans who fought in the Korean War, which began June 25, 1950 and ended July 27, 1953. 

“During the Coronavirus pandemic, they have committed themselves to make sure we have enough masks for our Korean War veterans and our first responders,” Bell said. 

Bell said he also received notice that they would be sending hand sanitizer as well. 

“The South Korean government is the only one that actually gives back to the United States for Americans that served in the Korean War, and the other 22 countries as well, they take care of,” Bell said. “We still get letters from eight and nine-year-old kids in Korea today thanking the Korean War veterans.”

The masks were white K94 masks, with five masks to a pack. The donation included 500 total masks. 

Copperas Cove Police Chief Eddie Wilson accepted the donation in person Friday afternoon, with some help from several officers. 

Wilson said these masks were appreciated and would definitely go a long way. 

“There are instances when officers respond to a location where someone may be demonstrating symptoms, and we may not necessarily know whether or not they’re positive, and in those instances, officers can offer these masks to the citizens to be worn while they’re having that contact, in addition to using them when they need them as well,” Wilson said about the masks. 

Since the coronavirus pandemic began, the police department has had to adapt to how officers respond to calls. 

“It’s been a challenge because as you know, the science is changing constantly, so it’s really difficult to keep up with what we believe is right or wrong but we try to pay very close attention to what is coming out and set our responses in accordance with those guidelines,” Wilson said. 

Wilson was very appreciative of Bell and his efforts to organize the donation. Bell has also presented masks to other first responders in the Central Texas community. 

“He’s been a great friend and a great supporter to our police department and not just us, but the community as well, and we’re very fortunate to have citizens like Mr. Bell who are supporting us on a continuous basis. We certainly couldn’t do what we do without the support of citizens like Mr. Bell,” Wilson said. “I’d like to thank the entire community for the outpouring of support that we have witnessed throughout the course of the pandemic as well as many of the other social issues that are occurring right now. Our community has been really great in supporting us and in trusting us to do the right thing and do what we’re supposed to do.”