(Conyers, GA—December 15, 2015)  A Vietnam War Veteran, down on his luck and reeling from a tragedy that took his wife’s life, found a savior in time for the holidays.  Stephen Roszelle had been a long-term resident of the Irwin Bridge Inn in Conyers before finally facing eviction having nowhere to turn.  Officers had been called to the location several times encountering Mr. Roszelle dealing with alcoholism and deep depression. Several officers and other first responders attempted to suggest resources or counseling to help Mr. Roszelle with no success.

Conyers Patrol Officer Paul Bernichon, faced with charging him with the abuse of calling 911, instead realized a possible solution.  Officer Bernichon learned that Mr. Roszelle is a Vietnam War Veteran who served with the U.S. Air Force as a Security Specialist.  Bernichon, having grown up in Milledgeville and attended Georgia Military College, spent a lot of time doing events at the Georgia War Veterans Home (GWVH).  The home would be able to provide a new beginning for Mr. Roszelle if he was willing to make the commitment to better himself.

Patrol supervisors allowed Officer Bernichon the time to help fill out applications, take Mr. Roszelle to the doctor for medical documentation and provide other items as required by the GWVH.  In the meantime, Officer Bernichon had many conversations with Mr. Roszelle both in person and via phone to ensure he did not lose hope a new life was waiting on him.

One day, Officer Bernichon could no longer contact Mr. Roszelle by phone. Officer Bernichon located him walking down Main Street.  Mr. Roszelle’s rent had been increased, and he had no means to make payments on his phone.  Knowing GWVH needed a way to stay in touch with Mr. Roszelle, Bernichon paid two months of service on Mr. Roszelle’s phone out of his own pocket.

Since the day Officer Bernichon became invested in assisting Mr. Roszelle, he has only called 911 once. He dialed 911 to give the good news that GWVH was reviewing his case.  Mr. Roszelle called 911 because he is losing his eyesight and is unable to dial Officer Bernichon’s number.  After a meeting with evaluators, a nurse and the executive director, GWVH finally accepted him into the program.

“The number one day in one’s law enforcement career always changes as we go along.  But, I think this will be it,” Officer Bernichon explains. “The first time I was truly able to physically be a part of changing someone’s life for the better.”

Officer Bernichon picked up Stephen Roszelle first thing this morning and drove him to Milledgeville in a police cruiser.  When asked if he was excited, Mr. Roszelle said he was anxious but “thank you to the Conyers Police Department for giving me this opportunity”.  The two had a celebratory breakfast together at Cracker Barrel en route to GWVH and arrived safely earlier today.