Retiring policewoman donates 100 million won
Retiring policewoman Park Soon-ja, 61, left, poses during a donation agreement ceremony at a local welfare center in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, Thursday. / Yonhap
By Jhoo Dong-chan
Retiring policewoman Park Soon-ja has joined the “Honor Society” for donating 100 million won ($87,000) to a local welfare center in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province. The honor is bestowed upon those whose donations surpass 100 million won by the Community Chest of Korea, the largest nonprofit welfare institution in Korea.
The 61-year-old outgoing superintendent said she owes a debt of gratitude to society.
“For nearly 40 years while serving as a police officer, I have received many honors from the country,” said Park.
“As I leave the force I feel strongly that it’s time for me to help the needy neighborhoods where I have served.”
Park served as a police officer for 37 years. She first joined the Masan Jungbu Police Station as a constable in 1979, one of the few female police officers at the time.
Having served various posts including the 112 emergency control center, the female and juvenile divisions, she has spent most of her career dealing with people’s requests.
Last month, Park officially retired from her post at the Changwon Seobu Police Station.
While serving as a police officer, she regularly visited local senior welfare centers to perform various volunteer efforts such as bathing those with serious illnesses and washing their clothes.
“It was not an easy decision to donate her severance pay,” said the head manager of the beneficiary local welfare community.
“The donation will be used to help needy people in the community.”
Park is the 80th Honor Society member in South Gyeongsang Province.