POUGHKEEPSIE – The City of Poughkeepsie PD received a generous donation of cleaning supplies and beverages from BJ’s Wholesale Club in Wappingers Falls on Monday morning.
BJ’s store manager Craig Lombardi met with Officer Kevin Van Wagner and Detective Karen Zirbel on Monday morning at the store to fill up their cruiser with vital supplies for the department. The donation consisted of bottled water, sports drinks, snacks, paper towels, cleaning wipes, bleach, and other signs of appreciation for the department.
BJ’s spokesperson Jennie Hardin said “BJ’s is proud to donate essential items to first responders, healthcare workers and nonprofits to help support our communities. We’re grateful to all the frontline heroes for their hard work, especially during this challenging time.”
Poughkeepsie Police Chief Tom Pape called the generous donation “appreciated and welcome,” adding “The cleaning supplies are still difficult to obtain and the bleach they donated is a welcome addition to our spare supplies.”
Officer Van Wagner also serves as the president of the PBA. “When the stores and community step up to help those of us on the front lines, it’s heartwarming,” said Van Wagner. Detective Zirbel appreciated the sizeable donation as well. “Craig Lombardi and his staff at BJ’s were both generous and helpful. It’s nice to be recognized for the work we do.”
