Detective Talbert: Counting Blessings, Enjoying Family Time
Salem police detective Dave Talbert is hanging tough, along with his family, including his daughter, Lohgan. You can read more about the Salem police at their website.
What are some ways the COVID-19 outbreak has changed your work life?
We at the Salem Police Department have taken a “hands-off” approach, unless necessary, in our everyday duties. Officers are practicing “social distancing” and reminding our community to do the same. At the direction of the chief of police, we were asked to limit time off until we could assess the community’s response to the orders or restrictions put in place by the governor. As a detective with the department, a lot of what we do normally has been prioritized with limited access to the courts and contact with persons involved in investigations.
How about your personal life?
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak the “hustle and bustle” of life came to a standstill in my household. It has affected our family financially as well. My wife lost her job as a waitress with the Das Dutch Haus in Columbiana, as did my 17-year-old daughter. My second job working for a local attorney has also been “suspended” until further notice. My son attends the University of Mount Union and never returned to the university following Spring Break. He is in the starting line-up of the Raiders wrestling team, and their season was cut short of the NCAA Championships. All this being said, even though I’m still an essential worker, I do get to see a lot more of my family and that is one of the hidden blessings.
What steps are you taking to hang tough?
I count my blessings and stay strong in my faith. We have taken the extra time to complete projects around the house and spend more “family time” doing simple things like movies, board games, etc. We limit our time with the news networks and concentrate on things that boost our spirits. We are following the restrictions and recommendations by the Ohio Department of Health and officials of the state. We look for the light at the end of the tunnel with an anticipated new appreciation of everyday life. We check on our neighbors and try to support small business.
What advice are you sharing with the people you love?
I tell them that this will pass, and you will appreciate everything you had before and things you didn’t. We will only talk briefly about new developments with COVID-19 and practice the measures that we all have been instructed to follow. I’ve explained to them that everyone will react differently in response to COVID-19 and the effects it’s having on their life. Some people will panic, and some will not take it as seriously as they should. I encourage them to find a HAPPY medium. Most importantly we have each other.