Newly graduated Bakersfield Police officers bring makeovers to homes in need

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — It’s Denise Johnson’s first day as a Bakersfield Police officer and her first task is to give this room a makeover.

After every academy, graduates from the Bakersfield Police Department partake in The Healthy Room Project.

Newly graduated officers bring complete makeovers to families in need. For Denise Johnson, it’s a full circle moment.

“So, my dad works at the PAL center…I pretty much grew up through the PAL center,” said Denise Johnson, “It is a full circle moment from going and being a PAL kid, to now being an officer and being able to be on the other end of things.”

The Police Activities League was her second home all along.

“Yes, I’ve always known I wanted to be a Police Officer and it wasn’t until about a year and a half ago that there was an officer at PAL,” said Johnson. “She kind of gave me that last push I needed to go through with the process.”

Now, she gets to be that role model for others.

“I had a lot of women officers who inspired me and helped me throughout my life,” said Johnson. “So, I just can’t wait to be that person for someone and to impact a life as well.”

The Healthy Room Project being the best way to show new officers the community they’re about to start serving. As well as build a relationship with community members.

If you want to partner with The Healthy Room Project, or have a room that needs to be fixed, click here .

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