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It doesn’t matter if a person is wealthy or poor, local authorities are going to treat the person the same, according to a South Pasadena police sergeant.
Testing the theory came less than 24 hours after Shannon Robledo said it as local police and fire department officials were dispatched to a scene in the 1000 block of El Centro Street Friday, treating an individual authorities said was in need of medical attention.
They quickly went into emergency mode after receiving the call at about 4:30 p.m. that a homeless man was down, a blanket covering his face, along the roadway between Meridian and Diamond avenues.
Attending to the victim, paramedics showed concern, professionalism, expertise, and, well, perhaps, more than anything – compassion as they diligently went to work, caring for his every need.
Only a day earlier, Robledo, the sergeant who has a long history of helping the homeless in the city, was talking about what the South Pasadena Police Department does for those without a permanent residence.
“When we talk to them, we offer them available resources so they have somewhere to turn to if they are seeking help,” explained Robledo. “We’re proactive with them. Being homeless is not a crime. Do homeless commit crimes? Most definitely, but they have every right to be on a city sidewalk or bench just like everybody else.”
During a countywide count in January, police reported 12 homeless individuals in the City of South Pasadena. They’re a dozen people who are in line to receive support, if they want it, from those like Robledo willing to provide it.
“I’m a compassionate person,” he said. “I do care about people in general. That’s why I’m in the line of work that I do. I care about everyone of our citizens.”
Rich or Poor.
