It was the coldest night of the year. But that’s just what folks envisioned when they started the tradition nine years ago of feting the police officers of 1D1 in February – the dreariest month of winter. So on February 11, folks from Capitol Hill United Methodist Church once again made the two-block walk from the church to the stationhouse to honor police officers of the First District Substation (1D1) with a “Valentine Tribute.”

Church folks arrived with gifts of food, handmade valentines and words of thanks. In recent years they’ve put words to music, crooning a tune that incorporates about 30 officers’ names.  This year’s song was entitled “The Real E Street Band,” a reference to 1D1's address at 5th & E St., SE. “I dare you to try to rhyme my name,” challenged Officer Alexis Sakulich.

Making a repeat appearance was Assistant Chief of Police Diane Groomes, who attended last year in her capacity as First District Commander. “The serenade for ‘The E Street Band’ sent a ‘HEARTfelt’ message to those who work at 1D1,” said Chief Groomes. “The annual Valentines visit is cherished by the officers of 1D1 and we want to thank Capitol Hill United Methodist Church for sharing the wonderful evening of valentines and food with us. You make us feel very special, and we’re grateful to have the community supporting us.”

Chief Groomes was clearly impressed by all the artistry that went into the valentines made by the church’s Children’s Sunday School class and kids from TGIF, a before- and after-school tutoring program housed in the church. Chief Groomes offered to set up a time to personally give the children a tour of the stationhouse and to talk to them about police programs and activities. “What a thrilling and educational experience this will be for them,” said Ms. Joanne Buford, who supervises both TGIF and the church nursery.

A newcomer to the tribute was 1D1's new station chief, Inspector George Kucik. Inspector Kucik has been at 1D1 since October 2007. “Celebrations like this go a long way in fostering a positive relationship between police officers and citizens,” he said, as he poured a second cup of homemade soup. “We really appreciate the tribute and the time and effort it took,” he added.

Much later that night, when temperatures had dropped to single digits, a happy Officer Anna Ewald observed: “There were still some Valentine treats when we came in to work the midnight shift. They were great!”

The tribute is organized each year by CHUM Women. Capitol Hill United Methodist Church is located at 421 Seward Square, SE, Washington, DC 20003. The pastor is Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli. For more information, contact the church office at 202-546-1000.