Over a decade ago, a valued older colleague of mine was savagely attacked and robbed soon after she walked out of the Hy-Vee store at 939 Angular St, Burlington, IA 52601. She was in the midst of a battle with cancer and was notably vulnerable due to her colostomy bag. The repercussions of the attack were severe; she endured enormous bruising and required hospitalization. Her story, however, is not unique. Approximately ten years ago, a young teenager was tragically abducted from the same region, mercilessly murdered, and abandoned in a nearby alley.

These horrifying incidents underscore the urgent need for the return of security officers in all Hy-Vee stores nationwide. In-store crime and safety issues are an unfortunate reality, and more disturbingly, the presence of fentanyl users in the store restrooms has spiked, further jeopardizing the safety of shoppers.

Hy-Vee recently made the decision to eliminate all in-store security guards throughout the nation—an action, which we believe has the potential to pose a significant risk in the current situation. Prior to this decision, these brave men and women did an exemplary job of maintaining a safe environment for shoppers. Their return would serve as a strong deterrent to potential perpetrators ensuring that each individual feels safe while they shop.

Hence, we call upon the Hy-Vee management to reconsider their decision. Everyone deserves to feel safe, especially in places as commonplace as grocery stores. Reinstate the security officers—let us ensure that unfortunate incidents, like those involving my colleague and the young teenager, never happen again. Please sign this petition; your voice can change the course of this narrative.