In such uncertain times, we’re all looking for answers – or even clarity on how to do our part in society right now. And while for some of us our hustling lives have taken a pause, others that are on the frontlines of battling the global pandemic due to COVID 19 are doubling down, exhibiting leadership and courage that we can all learn from – and be thankful for. Over the next several weeks we’ll take a look at our frontline leaders, from our community servants to service workers to healthcare professionals and more because we know People Make the City – even more so in a time like this.
If you’d like to nominate a story from one of Indy’s 20- and 30-something’s, please email Hannah Thomas, hannah@indyhub.org for more information. We’re here for you, let us share your story.
Staying positive for others
Here’s a fact for you, after nearly 40-minutes spent on the phone with Officer Jon Phelps I felt a little lighter, and much more positive on day 19 of my physical distancing.
Officer Phelps, known by his friends and colleagues as Jon, is on a mission to stay positive and give people a purpose through uncertain times, such as now. Ready to hear more? Check out my conversation with one of Indy’s young frontline leaders below.
I know your career path took you from the Army to IMPD but I’m sure there’s more to your story. Tell me more about your Indy story – has Indy always been your home?
No, I was born and raised near Gary, Indiana and then enlisted in the Army, so I got to travel before finding Indianapolis. During my final year in the Army my homebase was Alaska. I had an incredible mentor (my former football coach) who knew I was passionate about bridging the gap between communities and officers so he encouraged me to find my home in Indianapolis and go after my goal to complete the Academy. It only took me 2-days to wrap up my Army services, pack, find a place to stay and bring my life to Indy.
I’ve never looked back.
When did you first feel like Indy was your new home?
That’s an easy answer. I spent a lot of time and energy to learn more about the police force and if it was a good fit. It wasn’t until I met (now) Commander Wolley I felt like someone was willing to give me a chance to do what I was so passionate about doing.
So you’d agree with our mantra at IndyHub, People Make the City?
Oh definitely, Indianapolis has such an incredible heart. I see a lot of negative things in my job but I also see a lot of good coming from people and communities. I think about the small restaurant owners where my colleagues and I often eat (before the stay at home order) – the owners would give anything to their communities, they want everyone around them to succeed. That gives me the wisdom and ability to stay rooted in the fact that at the end of the day we’re all human.
Okay, since you mentioned it let’s talk about the stay at home order and Covid-19. How has this global pandemic changed the way you work and protect on the frontlines in our city?
Our overall mission hasn’t changed, but the way we go about protecting our city’s residents has shifted. We reiterate the CDC and state guidelines to our elderly populations – some who don’t have internet or smart phones. We often check on an older resident on the east side, she doesn’t have cable or a smart phone so she didn’t know what was going on. She didn’t know that she shouldn’t be going to the grocery store or to her sisters.
We also help young adults find something productive to be a part of especially right now. People can get so stuck on their situation right this second but I remind so many people – every day – you’re not stuck.
You’ve got to give people a purpose. Right now, I think we all have a purpose because we’re really in this global crisis together.
You know we read/hear about new COVID-19 cases popping up all over the world and of course right here in Marion County, so as a frontline protector how are you staying healthy and protecting yourself?
We definitely have masks and gloves to protect ourselves and what feels like unlimited hand sanitizer. We’re also given guidelines every day on how to proceed with our role in the community. You know, it’s just shown how important (and necessary) it is to slow down, take our time and make sure we’re not putting ourselves, colleagues and residents at risk. We all have a choice in this – like I almost went to see my Mother and Grandmother a week ago and realized “what am I doing?!” I wanted to see them, but realized this sacrifice is worth it so that we don’t potentially expose each other to the virus. This is hard on all of us, any age.
It really is a hard time, locally and globally. So tell me, what’s giving you hope during this moment in history?
The lack of social interaction has really put a cloud over the city but I remind myself you just can’t look for the negative. What’s giving me hope right now is that when we come out of this on the other side – after not seeing each other’s faces – we remember why we appreciate each other, and why we appreciate our city. And if I’m being brutally honest? To sit down at a crowded restaurant. I miss that.
