Police department delivers Thanksgiving treats throughout city

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Community cheerleader Roy Watterson, Police Captain Rich Wilson, and Detective Karen Zirbel sharing a laugh before delivering treats.

POUGHKEEPSIE – Members of the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, assisted by city firefighters and local celebrity Roy Watterson delivered Thanksgiving treats to nearly 200 children throughout the city on Wednesday.

Detective Karen Zirbel, who serves as the School Resource Officer at Poughkeepsie Middle School, said the treats were being delivered to students who were recognized by their teachers for being exemplary.  Zirbel asked teachers from each of the city’s schools to nominate students who are well-behaved, do their work, or have exceeded expectations.

The teachers were given an opportunity to write a note to the student explaining why they were getting the treats.  The letter was attached to the package containing a pie, cake, cookies, or other sugary delights.

“This is an opportunity for us to reward the kids for doing the right thing, which often does not get recognized.  It’s positive reinforcement for their good behavior,” Zirbel said.

Members of the police department collected donations of pies and other baked goods on Monday and Tuesday, organized the treats with the accompanying note, and sorted them out for delivery on Wednesday.  Several officers, assisted by firefighters, set out to deliver the rewards to approximately 180 kids on Wednesday morning.

Poughkeepsie Mayor and State Senator-elect Rob Rolison donated some desserts on Tuesday and stopped at the Public Safety Building on Wednesday morning to thank the first responders for their efforts.  “Our city workforce is second to none and they are always going the extra mile for our community,” Rolison said, adding “This tradition is another way that our officers are interacting with the residents in a positive manner, and that is important.”

 




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