ēCO Credit Union has a strong commitment to the communities where our members live, work, and play. We are excited to continue the #eCOmmunity program in 2021. We are proud to recognize those who go above and beyond for their community through the #eCOmmunity initiative.
Each month, members of the community who embody the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People” are nominated by ēCO employees to be “Credit Unioned.”
Trisha Bowman, Clay Branch Manager, nominated Officer Byars and Officer Matias of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office to be “Credit Unioned” because of their commitment to ensure the safety of those in the community. She said, “these officers risk their lives every day to protect and serve. We are grateful for their service and for ensuring the safety of our community.”
Officer Byars and Officer Matias have been with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office since June of 2016. They went through the Police Academy together and have worked together in Jefferson County for the past five years.
Officer Byars comes from a long line of law enforcement and says he is proud to carry on the tradition. Officer Matias is a first-generation first responder and says he is proud to serve the community.
Both officers are part of the Patrol Division with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. The Patrol Division is a specialized unit that has been developed, trained, and equipped to provide tactical and support services for police operations. Patrol deputies, like Officer Byars and Officer Matias, are a very important part of the Jefferson County Sherriff’s Office, as well as the Clay community. They perform a variety of services for the protection and service of the citizens. Their overall mission is to keep neighborhoods and communities safe.
The Clay Branch staff said that they can always count on Officers Byars and Matias to be ready to answer the call when they are needed. “Any time I have needed their help both officers have been quick to respond,” said Bowman. “I nominated Officer Byars and Officer Matias to be ‘Credit Unioned’ because I know they work hard to ensure the safety of our community. We appreciate their professionalism in situations that have been alarming and very stressful. Police officers seem to have a very thankless job. Their desire to help those in need and make a difference in our community is the very definition of the credit union philosophy of ‘People Helping People’.”
ēCO Credit Union Clay Branch employees were proud to surprise Officer Byars and Officer Matias on Friday, March 26, with gift baskets for their service to the community.
“We really appreciate this. This was very unexpected because it’s just part of our job; it's not something we do for praise or recognition. This is the first time that someone has done something like this for me, and it really feels great. It is very much appreciated,” said Officer Matias.
“The same goes for me, I never expected this or anything for just doing our jobs. But I do love what I do, and I love helping the community. Again, we really appreciate what you are doing for us,” said Officer Byars.
ēCO Credit Union is grateful for the commitment and investment the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputies make each day to protect and serve. Thank you, Officer Byars and Officer Matias for your leadership, service, and dedication to the community!
