Submitted Photo Pictured from left are: Officer Edwin Pagan, Lt. Mark Polowy, Officer Edwin Gomez, Chief David Ortolano, Officer Ryan Ruiz, Officer John Arns, Wendy Sullivan-OFA, Lt. Michael Pakulski, and Sgt. Douglas Switzer.

Special to the OBSERVER

On Wednesday the City of Dunkirk Police Department again this year loaded Santa for seniors gift bags up in their patrol cars and delivered them to senior citizens in the community. The bags were delivered on a very snowy and windy day and the officers spent time visiting with the senior citizens who were the recipients. One recipient even had her porch and sidewalk shoveled by officers.

Senior citizens that received the bags are chosen by the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging with the Dunkirk Police Benevolent Association making a donation to help defray the cost.

Recipients of the gift bags, which contained a holiday meal and daily living items, commented that they were happy and blessed to receive the bags and enjoyed the company of the police officers who delivered them and thanked the officers for their service to the community.

The Dunkirk Police Department wishes to thank Dr. Mary Ann Spanos, Kate Finch and Wendy Sullivan from the Office for the Aging for allowing them to be part of this wonderful program that reaches out to senior citizens during the Christmas holiday season and puts a smile on their faces.

For more information about the awards or the Regional Economic Development Councils, visit http://regionalcouncils.ny.gov.