- May 1, 2024
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Sandy Smith strives to create an environment of positivity and respect in the Ormond Beach Police Department.
The office manager and secretary for Police Chief Jesse Godfrey, Smith has worked for the city of Ormond Beach for three decades, and 2022 marks her seventh with the Police Department. From filling out work orders and processing invoices, to managing training and travel requests for officers and planning the department's ceremonies for new sworn officers, promotions and retirements, Smith said her work is nonstop.
"The day goes by fast, but it’s enjoyable," she said. "I see our officers come into the building and I have different appreciation for what they do. It’s always nice to be pleasant and professional and kind of see things from their side.”
Smith worked for 24 years in the city's human resources department, and the transition to working with police was a learning curve. But her favorite part of her job is the people she works with. They motivate her to go the extra mile to accomplish or obtain whatever they need, she said — whether that be simply making herself available to help, or lending a listening ear when an officer needs to vent.
And with family being "a big thing in the department," Smith said she's been called "PD mom" in the past.
“You know what? If they call me and they say, ‘Hey mom,’ That makes me happy," Smith said. "I take pride in that.”
When she first arrived at the Police Department, one of the observations that made an impact on her was seeing the struggles of police officers from a different lens. The public, Smith said, doesn't always have a positive perception of law enforcement, but she started seeing things come across her desk that were positive — notes from citizens complimenting officers, comments from elementary school students — and she decided others needed to see them too.
"I thought, ‘If that impacts me, maybe it would impact the whole department,’” Smith said.
Smith approached Godfrey and asked him his opinion about creating a "Positive Pursuits" wall, a place where these comments could be posted or all officers and civilian staff to read. She was given a green light to proceed, and the "Positive Pursuits" wall is now in place.
Sharing the positivity is something they all need, Smith said, and in sharing accomplishments, she hopes it serves to raise morale.
“Sandy is such an integral part of the Police Department. As the chief’s secretary and office manager for the Police Administration she has a myriad of tasks which includes a large work load, multi-tasking and often last-minute changes. She never falters, she is always pleasant and professional. She is one of the employees that truly cares about her coworkers and always will make time to assist anyone in the department."
Apryl Andrasco, administrative assistant for OBPD
“Hopefully that actually goes externally as well — that what we do on the inside and treating each other with respect, that we can go out and do our job better," Smith said.
A couple of years ago, Smith was walking outside to her car when she spotted one of the traffic unit's motorcycles in the parking lot. It was a hot day and she couldn't help thinking about how the temperature was impacting the motorcycle's seat, and the officer's equipment. She pointed this out to Godfrey and proposed an idea for a covered area for the department's motorcycles.
Now, the traffic unit has a designated spot in the parking lot, with a sunshade, for their motorcycles. It's the little things that help, she said.
“You take pride in the accomplishments," Smith said. "You see things. You want to make a difference.”
When she plans ceremonies for officers, she coordinates with the employees and their families. The training room at the department, where the events are held, is typically full when these take place. It's a big deal, Smith said — they want the officers to feel appreciated, and to also feel the support of their coworkers and families.
It's why she tries to do what she can for all in the department, including the volunteers and staff. They're a family, and they look out for each other, she said.
“When you have that attitude to be positive — maybe somebody is having a bad day and you listen and you be kind. I think that’s what we should be living by.”
