Cops Make Computer Dreams Come True
Published October 9, 2002, Hillsborough Sheriff's Observer By Bill McKeon

In the 1954 movie, Magnificent Obsession, Rock Hudson finds that the secret formula for success in life is to spend time helping people in need without expecting anything in return.  By doing this, he discovers that his life is enriched in many unexpected ways.

Similarly, the hit movie Pay It Forward, released in 2000, tells the story of a boy who conceives of a plan whereby a person who benefits from the good deed of another must “pay it forward” by doing good deeds for three other people.  In the end, this goodwill becomes contagious and impacts the lives of many others.

Now you might think that this kind of altruism is reserved for cinematic fiction.  But Sheriff’s Deputy Steve McDermott would respectfully disagree with you.

McDermott is the president of the non-profit group, “Cops and Computers for the Community, Inc.” (CCFTC).  He is in the business of giving away computers to kids with special needs.  McDermott, who has a way with turning a phrase, says that the philosophy of the company is: “Need not creed, every kid needs a chance to succeed.”

By using donations of money and equipment from individuals and corporations, McDermott and his corps of cops, firefighters, and other volunteers are continually piecing together computer systems that suit individual needs. A college student might need a more powerful computer than a middle-school student.  A handicapped student might need a computer with special modifications.

And when McDermott says they piece together computers, he means it.  His volunteer staff refurbishes donated computers and “all usable computer equipment is distributed.  We even build systems from spare parts,” says McDermott.

One of CCFTC’s most recent success stories is “The Palm River Project,” a joint venture with “Computer Acquisitions & Placement Program, Inc.” .  The project established a community computer lab at the Palm River Weed & Seed Community Center (7444 Palm River Road).  Volunteer technicians refurbished 15 donated computers and had them up and running for the September 28, 2002 grand opening.

You can read about some of CCFTC’s other successes on their Website: www.ccftc.org.  The site also has links to recent  “Cops & Computers” media coverage by the St. Petersburg Times, the Tampa Tribune, Bay News 9, and others.  Anyone who would like to apply to receive a free computer can submit the “Computer Grant Application,” available on the PC Request page of CCFTC Website.

As “Cops and Computers for the Community” continues to grow, McDermott continues to look for donations and new volunteers.  Anyone who would like to get involved can call Deputy McDermott at: (813) 918-8388.  You don’t have to have a “Magnificent Obsession” to get involved, just a desire to “Pay It Forward.”