Police Department Connects With the Community

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Deborah Danzy has a genuine passion to help people….in any and every way possible.

So, when the Police Community Relations and Review Board member had the opportunity to assist with a Resource Fair, bringing together the City of Newburgh Police Department and its community, she could not have been more thrilled. Teaming up with S. Boyd, the Chairperson of the Police Community and Review Board, the duo, along with members of the City of Newburgh Police Department, staged a Resource Fair outdoors Saturday at 128 Broadway.

Here, throughout the late morning and early afternoon, guests could be seen taking advantage of a wide assortment of critical services. Whether it was pertinent information on COVID-19 vaccination signups or free rides to those vaccinations, Saint Mary Giving Day food pantry dates and available items (most current is this Friday at the Armory Unity Center, starting at 9am), being briefed on details on learning one’s rights when involved with the police, listening to tunes by DJ Mizz Official, or enjoying a complimentary barbeque lunch, visitors walked away with newfound, helpful information, a greater trust and more empowered when interacting with their surrounding police organization, and big smiles.

“Today, we wanted to give out COVID, housing, pantry and information about important community services to residents; we also wanted to inform them about the Right to Know Card, regarding what should happen if you get stopped by the police,” explained Danzy, who was extremely grateful to Boyd for her diligent efforts to secure permits for the Broadway space as well as continued positive relations with members of City Hall and the Police Department. “Overall, it was a very successful event; we registered several new voters, had many fill out COVID forms and took four people to the nearby Armory to get vaccinated.”

She added, “As a Community Health Promoter for Planned Parenthood, I really see the disparities we have here in this community, and people need to know about the available services, especially in today’s times during COVID.”

One of those integral resources on hand was from Maternal Infant Services Network (MISN). Bryana Pinos and Jill Anderson were busy at work fielding questions, while providing important literature to residents.

“Today we are here sharing our information and resources as well as helping to get the community back outdoors safely,” said Pinos. “Being here, we have been able to interact with many individuals; it’s truly a pleasure to enjoy the weather as well as each other’s company.”

In addition to the host of agency booths, the City of Newburgh Police Department positively made their presence known, interacting with residents, while cooking up hamburgers and hot dogs free of charge. Police Chaplain, Luis Laureano, was enjoying the day with his family members, as well as supporting the City of Newburgh Department’s members as well as overall work.

“As a Chaplain, I council the police when they are dealing with their issues, especially when things are tough,” said Laureano. “As someone who was once involved with gangs myself and turned my life around, I’m now supporting the other side and seeing how important their work is in the community.

Among those Laureano is now a strong advocate for his City of Newburgh Police Department Lieutenant, Kevin Lahar, who was busy grilling Saturday, while socializing with residents. His assessment of Saturday’s inaugural event was all positive.

“I thought it went very well…for the Police Department, Relations Board as well as the community,” said Lahar about the Resource Fair. “During and after the event, people approached us and told us how appreciative they were for us being there and holding this event.”