Olivia Dyki

Spreading kindness: Officer Michael Dyki inspiring the next generation at the police station.

          Fighting, sacrificing, protecting and dedicating the majority of their lives to serving our country is what law enforcement strives to achieve on a daily basis. January 9, 2024 is a day to recognize these tremendous efforts put forward by officers, as well as honoring their hard work and dedication. 

          The importance of celebrating this holiday should not be overlooked. The National Today website shares that it is encouraged for people to wear blue clothing in solidarity with police officers, write or send a letter to a local police department or even vocalize gratitude on social media. 

          For some law enforcement, they feel the need to give back to their community. For instance, at school every morning students see officer Kayleigh Kish standing outside to greet them. 

          “The most rewarding part is making a positive difference in someone’s life and building lasting relationships within the community,” Kish states.

          Kish has had a dedicated career in the law enforcement area and only continues to prosper, she balances being a Sergeant on the Air Force reserve, being a school resource officer, and working parole on overtime shifts. All of the work she puts in has derived from a place of selflessness.  

          “I chose to work in law enforcement because I wanted to serve the community I grew up in. I had positive experiences with law enforcement growing up and I wanted to give the public a positive experience with police,” Kish states. 

          There are many students in the Foran community whose parents contribute to law enforcement. Junior Olivia Dyki’s father Michael Dyki is a police officer in Oxford, CT and works hard on a daily basis to protect our citizens. 

          “As for my dad being a police officer, it makes me proud but also it can sometimes be nerve racking. He has been in the field for many years, longer than I’ve been alive, and has helped so many people,” O. Dyki states.

          She explains how his service has allowed her to become involved in many different experiences that she otherwise would not have been able to participate in, like Toys For Tots, attending troop parades, and watching him receive awards of honor.

          M. Dyki makes sacrifices everyday and spends many hours at the police station. This mentally tough job comes with great responsibility and reward.

          “The most rewarding part is being able to help people who are in need. It’s not only about arresting people and writing speeding tickets.” M. Dyki states. 

          He explains the sacrifices that he makes everyday, from missing holidays, weekends and valuable nights with his family. He shares the fact that too many police officers work overtime and that their mental health is important.