Members of the Brockport Police Department have long appreciated the spirit of volunteerism that the village has to offer in the form of the youth who man the Explorer posts to the adults who patrol the streets under the SPARTAC program to residents and business owners who financially support police programs. On November 4, officers and their families came together and showed those community members what the "serve" part of "serving and protecting" really means. The officers and I got into the 'serving' part of our duties as we cooked and served dinners to those who attended the appreciation dinner," Police Chief Dan Varrenti said. Officer Stephen Mesiti, who was instrumental in helping organize the event, said more than 80 people showed up to the event, which he hopes will become an annual one. "I've been an advisor for the Explorer Post for the past four years and year after year, these kids give of themselves and never ask for anything in return," Mesiti said. "They help at the Brockport Arts Festival, sidewalk sales and other events within the village." The idea of the appreciation dinner for the Explorers blossomed to include SPARTAC members and community members who were supportive of the department. "We wanted to thank anyone out there who was a friend to the department," Mesiti said. The evening went off without a hitch, Mesiti said. "It was awesome the way it all came together, from all of us behind the scenes in the kitchen to the awards ceremony and presentation." Kelly Lewis, owner/agent of State Farm on Main Street, donated a television to the Explorers that they raffled off as a fundraiser for themselves. Lewis, who supports many community activities, said she is happy to be part of the volunteerism efforts with the police department. "They work in the community in which I live. I respect the job they do and because of them I don't have to worry about the safety of my family or my downtown business," she said. "I appreciate what they are trying to accomplish in the community." Mesiti said the raffle brought in $1,905, half of which will go to the Explorers and the other half will be used to purchase gifts for residents in the Lakeside Beikirch Care Center. "Kelly has been a tremendous supporter of the department," Sergeant Mark Cuzzupoli said. She was presented with the Community Service Award in appreciation for not only her financial donations but also for her volunteerism. "She's been a volunteer at the past two National Nights Out," Cuzzupoli said. The Explorers, Mesiti said, have never had their own budget before so they will have to sit down and decide as a group what they would like to spend their money on. The group has its organizational meeting planned for December 1 at 7 p.m. at the Brockport Fire House. Mesiti said if anyone is interested in learning more about the group, he can be contacted at the police department at 637-1020, extension 48. "The whole evening was an outstanding effort by the department," Cuzzupoli said. Varrenti said that many people look at police officers the same way they do dentists - no one looks forward to seeing either one and no one really ever thanks a dentist for drilling a cavity or an officer for giving them a ticket. "People rarely stop to think that maybe the officer saved their lives by giving them a ticket," he said. "Part of the purpose of the dinner was to let the community members see the police officers in a different realm and to let them know we are thankful for their support of us." November 20, 2005 |
