Colorado State Patrol Steps In to Help One Colorado Family Give the Gift of a Lifetime

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(COLO.) – Many Coloradan’s started their Christmas morning off with family and friends opening gifts., including Karly Means, 26, of Centennial, who has a rare genetic condition called Williams Syndrome. As Karly unwrapped and opened a box prepared by her parents, she didn’t know that gift’s value could never be fit in a box. As she pulled out a piece of paper, she became visibly emotional and filled with joy and excitement. The gift to Karly was an invitation to visit the Colorado State Patrol Training Academy.

This last Saturday, January 8, 2022, Karly’s gift of a lifetime came true. During Karly’s visit to the academy, she accompanied a group of cadets to the Colorado State Patrol Track where she could watch them learn important driving skills necessary to become a Colorado State Trooper. In addition to observing the cadets, Karly participated in a drill commonly referred to as the “light drill.”  From the observation tower, Karly operated the traffic signals directly affecting the decision the cadets must make during the maneuver. 

Throughout her experience, she was able to meet the newest members of the Patrol as well as the expert staff preparing them for the road. Karly was also shown the Colorado Law Enforcement Memorial on the academy grounds displaying the names of all Colorado Law Enforcement Officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, showing her how much Colorado State Troopers and other law enforcement officers are willing to give up to serve their communities.

Karly truly enjoyed her time touring and training at the Colorado State Patrol Academy. “I’m blown away by all of this,” said Karly. “I’m always going to remember how special it was for me to come.”  For Christmas, Karly received a priceless gift of pictures and memories she will remember for a lifetime; a gift there is no box big enough to hold.

“Spending the day with Karly and her mother, Maggie, was an absolute honor,” said Sergeant Collins of the Colorado State Patrol’s Community Outreach Program.  “Not only was this day very special for Karly, but it was also a reminder for the cadets and troopers who assisted that our job is not only to protect the people in our communities but also to engage and foster relationships with them as well.”

 


 

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ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE PATROL
Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs.  In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the Governor and other dignitaries’ protection, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more.