POUGHKEEPSIE – A large number of Poughkeepsie school children received home visits from City of Poughkeepsie police officers on Wednesday for good reason. Members of the Community Policing division worked with Poughkeepsie teachers to identify children who have been thriving amidst the pandemic and deserved to be awarded a special dessert for Thanksgiving.
PBA President Kevin Van Wagner and his fellow officers collected pies, cakes, and other desserts from the community while Detective Karen Zirbel, the School Resource Officer worked with the teachers to identify kids that deserved recognition. “Detective Zirbel worked on getting a list of the kids that deserve to be recognized. After we visit all of the kids, we will deliver treats to those who we know are struggling during the pandemic,” said Van Wagner. Zirbel said that approximately 175 kids were on the “good” list. “These kids have been performing well and our officers want to recognize them for being great kids. Hopefully, others will see that police show up when things are good, too.”
Van Wagner said that the community response to the call for donations was “tremendous,” adding, “The outpouring of support from the community has been tremendous and we appreciate all that help.” In addition to the children, desserts were delivered to senior housing centers and other places throughout the city.
On Wednesday morning, several members of the police department, joined by community volunteers, left the public safety building armed with dozens of desserts and made their rounds through the city to deliver the treats. At one address, Van Wagner, joined by his Community Policing colleague Officer Mike Braren, a recipient was surprised. The officers explained that the student was being recognized for being “outstanding” as they presented a pie. “I didn’t expect this,” said the teenager as she beamed and thanked the officers repeatedly.
Police Captain Richard Wilson was making deliveries with the assistance of Coach Roy Watterson who runs the youth football camp in the city. Wilson said “The men and women of our department are always looking for ways to help the community. This initiative has the backing of the entire department and the community donors help us bring a welcome change to residents who may be experiencing difficulties during the holiday season.” Watterson, known for his ability to talk to every person he sees, said, “The police officers have always stepped up to help at the football camps and this is my turn to return the favor. It’s an example of how everyone can work together for the city.” The coach also said that the dessert deliveries have a deeper message. “There’s too much violence taking place – we need more love like this.”
Mayor Rob Rolison praised the officers. “Our police officers work tirelessly to find ways to give back to the community and this initiative is one of the most popular. Our city is a much better place because of our officers who step up every day.”
While making her deliveries, Detective Zirbel told the recipients of the additional holiday events that the police are hosting.
- The Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru is taking place on December 3. Zirbel said “We will be decorating the parking lot at the Public Safety Building at 505 Main Street with Christmas decorations and blow up characters, as well as displaying our police and fire vehicles for a little festive drive through event. Children will get a small giveaway.
- Santa’s Flyover is taking place on December 11. The police will be driving throughout the City of Poughkeepsie with police vehicles and special guest, SANTA! This will be done in the evening.
- Santa’s Candy Cane Express on December 12. The police will be bringing Santa to various places throughout the City of Poughkeepsie for visits with the children.
