Members of the Freeport Police Benevolent Association hosted its annual Valentine’s Luncheon for seniors on Feb. 17, hosting hundreds of senior residents across three locations.
John Hrvatin, the executive director of the Freeport Housing Authority, expressed his appreciation for the Police Benevolent Association’s continued, intentional service for senior residents.
“I’ve been here for thirteen years, and they’ve done it every year, the residents always look forward to it,” Hrvatin stated. “It is a nice opportunity for the police officers to interact with our residents and the seniors look forward to meeting police officers as they are being served a hot lunch.”
Hrvatin also detailed that the Police Benevolent Association makes significant effort to make their luncheon services accessible to as many residents as possible, where if any seniors are unable to come to the community center to eat and enjoy, officers will hand deliver meals to their doors.
“The Freeport Housing Authority is very thankful to the officers who participate, as well as the Mayor,” Hrvatin said.
Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy also saluted the service of the participating Freeport police officers.
“Many of these police officers do this on their own time and spend their own money on the food,” Kennedy said. “By police reaching out to seniors in the community, they are improving the bonds within the community and encouraging seniors to call when they need something. More importantly, they’re making sure seniors don’t feel forgotten.”
This year, the officers provided lunch for more than 300 residents at The Rev. Malette Senior Apartment Building, The Rev. John Madden Apartments and The Rev. Timothy C. Peternana Terrace Apartments.
In addition to the Police Benevolent Association, the Freeport Housing Authority also collaborates with the Freeport Police Department and Freeport Fire Department on programs to benefit the residents, including fire awareness and Medicare benefits. Some programs are open to the public if space allows. For more information about such programs and availability, please call 516-623-2508.
