Riding Along with Rockland’s Finest: Why Public Safety and Small Business Go Hand in Hand

By Chris Austin, President of Ardiah, Entrepreneur and Proud Rockland Business Owner

Seeing Rockland from the Passenger Seat

Recently, I had the chance to ride along with the Rockland Police Department, Sgt. Lemoi — and it was an experience that hit me harder than I expected.

I’ve always backed the blue, but sitting in that cruiser, watching the work these men and women do to keep our community safe, gave me a whole new level of respect.

They don’t just enforce laws — they protect opportunity.

Why This Matters for Every Small Business

Whether you own a shop downtown, run a restaurant, or operate a service business across Knox County, public safety affects everything we do.

When our streets are safe, customers feel comfortable. When our neighborhoods are stable, employees show up ready to work. When our community is clean and protected, business thrives.

I don’t live in Rockland, but I do business here — and I consider it part of my community. Like every entrepreneur, I depend on a city that’s welcoming, safe, and supportive. What I saw during that ride-along reminded me that small businesses and law enforcement are working toward the same goal: a stronger community.

The Heart Behind the Badge

Every call that night told a story. Some were about crime, others about people in crisis. It was a reminder that police work is as much about compassion as it is about control.

And here’s the truth — some of the same people officers help today could one day be your best employee, your neighbor, or the next entrepreneur in town. When we invest in community programs, workforce development, and rehabilitation, we create pathways for change.

That’s good for people and for business.

Backing the Blue Means Building Our Future

Supporting our police isn’t political — it’s practical. Safe communities attract investment. They keep property values strong. They make Main Street a place where people want to be.

Funding, training, and staffing matter because they directly affect our ability to grow, hire, and operate. When law enforcement has what it needs, every local business benefits.

Why the New Rockland Police Station Matters

Just like the offices and spaces we choose for our businesses, where we work reflects the pride we take in our craft. We build, design, and invest in safe, efficient, and professional environments — because we know we spend more waking hours there than anywhere else.

Last night, I got to take a look inside Rockland’s current police station. And I’ll be honest — it’s long past due for an upgrade. The department has done everything possible to maintain it, but the space has become outdated and cramped, with poor working conditions and issues well beyond their control.

Officers are often shoulder-to-shoulder, managing sensitive calls while visible from the restaurant above — hardly ideal for the kind of work they do. Yet despite these challenges, they continue to show nothing but professionalism, compassion, and class.

These men and women protect us, watch over our businesses, patrol our schools and churches, and keep our city safe while we rest. They deserve a workplace that reflects the pride and excellence with which they serve.

So I’m calling on every Rockland-area business owner — stand with the Rockland Police Department and support the proposal for a new police station. They need it. Our community needs it. And our business ecosystem will continue to grow because of it.

The Business Case for Public Safety

This isn’t just about facilities — it’s about the future.

• Cities with low crime rates experience 20–25% higher small-business growth and 30% greater new business formation compared to similar cities with higher crime levels (Brookings Institution, 2023).

• Communities that invest in public safety and infrastructure see faster recovery after economic downturns and stronger attraction for young families and entrepreneurs (U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, 2022).

• Every $1 invested in local law enforcement produces up to $4 in retained or attracted business activity, according to the National Institute of Justice.

When our officers have the tools and facilities they need, our businesses gain stability, our customers gain confidence, and our city gains momentum.

Final Thoughts

After my ride-along with Sgt, Lemoi, I left proud — proud of the people behind the badge, proud of Rockland, and proud to be part of a business community that cares deeply about where we live and work.

The Rockland Police Department deserves a station that matches the quality of their service — professional, safe, and built to last.

I’m a proud business owner in Rockland. I’m calling out to my fellow Rockland businesses, 
Back the blue, just like we do.

Chris Austin

President & Owner, Ardiah, and Host of Entrepreneur’s Hour
📞 207-230-4576
🌐 www.ardiah.com

About the Author: Chris Austin is passionate about supporting small businesses and is the President and Owner of Ardiah, a trusted provider of payroll, payment, and point of sale solutions. Chris and his team are dedicated to helping small businesses thrive by delivering tailored solutions and personalized support. If you have a small business support or service need, they would love to help! 207-230-4576 or email: Info@ardiah.com