Among other law enforcement duties, Savannah Police Department (SPD) officers must enforce state and local traffic laws. On September 20, 2019, members of SPD's H.E.A.T. Unit, which included Corporal Steven Bland, Advanced Police Officer Austin Neumann, and Advanced Police Officer William Daniel, were conducting traffic stops in conjunction with a Governor's Office of Highway Safety program. 

In the course of the operation, they stopped a vehicle that failed to display a license plate. Upon approaching the car, SPD officers discovered twin one-year old children in damaged and outdated car seats, which lacked safety harnesses. Their mother explained that her vehicle recently had been stolen, she had just started a new jobs, and that she did not have enough money to purchase new car seats.  Corporal Bland, of his own volition, volunteered to use his own money to purchase new car seats for the twins. Advanced Police Officer Austin Neumann, and Advanced Police Officer William Daniel stayed behind with the children and their mother.  Corporal Bland's generosity on that day, was not limited to this one encounter.  He also purchased a third car seat, which he charitably gave to another family later that evening.

The actions of Corporal Bland, Advanced Police Officer Neumann, and Advanced Police Officer Daniel exemplify the three core components of SPD's mission: service; protection; and the fostering of trust within the community.  On September 20, 2019, each of these officers displayed unquestionable selflessness.  For their compassionate acts, the Chief of the Savannah Police Department seeks official City Council recognition: saluting the outstanding public service of Corporal Steven Bland, Advanced Police Officer Austin Neumann, and Advanced Police Officer William Daniel.

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