“I Didn’t Think Anyone Would Care” — Sergeant Anita Pitts Shares Her Signal 13 Story

Sometimes the hardest part isn’t facing the emergency—it’s asking for help.

Sergeant Anita Pitts of the Baltimore Police Department’s Northern District never expected to need assistance. When a major plumbing failure caused extensive damage to her home and left her facing an unexpected repair bill while raising four children, she felt overwhelmed and uncertain about where to turn.

Like many officers, her first instinct was not to ask for help.

After encouragement from a fellow officer, Sergeant Pitts contacted the Signal 13 Foundation.

What she found was not judgment—it was understanding.

In this candid conversation, Sergeant Pitts shares what it meant to receive support during a difficult moment and why organizations like Signal 13 matter for the men and women who dedicate themselves to serving others every day.

Signal 13 exists to stand beside Baltimore Police Department officers and their families during times of hardship—because supporting those who protect our communities matters.

Watch Sergeant Pitts’ story below.

Need help or want to support the mission?
Visit Signal 13 Foundation

Please Lend Us a Hand in 2026

We have a small favor to ask. Thousands of Baltimore Police families have trusted the Signal 13 Foundation to support them during difficult times and when they need assistance paying for college for their kids.

Like other nonprofits, Signal 13’s funding depends on generous donations from individuals, companies and foundations. We can’t do what we do for Baltimore City Police in times of need without your support. Requests for assistance are increasing and we rarely turn a grant or scholarship applicant down.

Signal 13 is celebrating 40 years of helping Baltimore City Police, and the Board’s goal is to do even more to make their lives a little easier during stressful times. We do this because we believe in supporting the brave men and women in the Baltimore Police Department who put their lives on the line everyday to protect us and the city we love.