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Thomasson: Helping our neighbors in the Town of Paradise Valley

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Our current stay-at-home situation has produced some funny moments and many genuinely caring moments.

Nowhere was such kindness and concern shown than after last Wednesday’s report of a missing person, “Jo,” a senior who wandered from her home in my neighborhood near 52nd and Mockingbird. Within hours neighbors were walking the streets, organizing into groups canvassing every house, wash and cul-de-sac.

For the next two days, the streets and sidewalks were full of people working with our police and police volunteers looking for her literally under every bush. I spoke with one man who canvassed 6 hours the night before. No relation. Just a neighbor.

Jo’s grandson was awestruck by the support of the full Paradise Valley community. He couldn’t believe the level of caring shown by our police department, police volunteers and neighbors. Yes, we are fortunate to live here for so many reasons --- perhaps chief among them, the genuinely kind people we call neighbors.

I also learned a great lesson; our AlertPV system allowed neighbors to learn about Jo’s disappearance and quickly help. Although AlertPV lets us know of public safety emergencies and road closures, it’s also a great tool to tell us about neighbors in dire need. You can help others by signing up https://www.paradisevalleyaz.gov/alertpv.

Note: As of Friday morning, Jo has not been found. PVPD has issued a broad media alert and continues to ask residents to check their properties and surveillance. If you have any information about Jo, please call the police business line at 480 948-7410.

A missing person flyer is located at https://alertpv.us/78faa