WELSH — As more residents reach their golden years, the Welsh Police Department is finding a golden opportunity to help them.

Police Chief Marcus Crochet is offering a lifeline and something more to senior citizens — many of whom are ill, live alone or are homebound.

The police department is initiating a Morning Call Program in which a dispatcher makes a daily call to check on elderly residents. The calls are made between 7-9 a.m.

“It’s a way of keeping us in touch with our elderly citizens and giving them a sense of security in knowing that someone is checking on them,” Crochet said.

It can be difficult for some senior citizens when they encounter challenges in their lives and the police department wants to ensure them that help is only a phone call away, Crochet said.

The program is also a way the police department can provide information to senior citizens about issues affecting them such as scams targeting the elderly, he said.

Senior citizens wanting to participate in the program are asked to fill out a short application form with their information and who to contact in case of an emergency. Forms are available at the police department.

Homebound residents or those without transportation can call the police department at 734-2626 to request a form. An officer will deliver the form to their residence.

Officers will also help the elderly complete the form if needed, Crochet said.

Residents who do not answer their telephones will receive a follow-up call, he said. If the residents do not answer a second time an officer will be sent to the residence or a relative will be notified.

“We are fortunate that we are small enough to be able to do this for our senior citizens,” Crochet said.

The program is free to all Welsh senior citizens.

Crochet hopes to hold a senior citizen gathering in the future to explain the program.

Welsh Police Department Dispatcher Laura Mott makes a daily call to check on a local elderly resident. The police department is initiating a free Morning Call Program to keep in touch with elderly and homebound residents. (Doris Maricle / American Press)