The West Seneca Police Department and Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announce that 70 new fleece jackets will be donated to the residents of Haven House after the successful arrest and prosecution of a West Seneca man involved in a domestic incident. 

In December of 2015, officers with the West Seneca Police Department were called to a West Seneca home for a domestic disturbance.  The suspect fled, but police discovered dozens of counterfeit name brand fleece jackets he was planning to sell. The officers seized the goods and upon the arrest of the defendant, the jackets became the property of the department. 

In order for the counterfeit jackets to be worn legally, the logos had to be covered up. West Seneca Chief Daniel Denz compensated Tom and Luigi’s Tailor Shop on Seneca Street to fix the jackets and today, they are being donated to the women, men and children at Haven House, Erie County’s only licensed domestic violence shelter. 

“We are proud to partner with the West Seneca Police Department in this effort to bring warm jackets to those in need,” says DA Flynn. “We applaud the department for making good use of the products seized as the result of a domestic disturbance, especially if it can help those who were victims of a similar situation.” 

“When Captain Patrick Shea came to me with this idea, I thought it was a no brainer,” says West Seneca Police Chief Daniel Denz. “He got the DA’s office involved and then approached Tom at the tailor shop with the plan. Capt. Shea explained to Tom how we had to cover up the counterfeit logos before we could give them to Haven House, and he immediately got on board.  This is a win for everyone.” 

“We are grateful to share in this significant opportunity to spread awareness about domestic violence prevention, and to demonstrate the positive outcomes that stem from strong partnerships. We thank the West Seneca Police Department and the Erie County’s District Attorney’s office for their work in promoting peace and safety, and for the donation that will have an incredible impact on someone else’s life,” says Ahlea Howard, High Risk Team Coordinator – Child & Family Services’ Haven House. 

“When Captain Shea told us what he needed, we didn’t hesitate to lend a hand,” says Tom and Luigi Collana of Tom and Luigi’s Tailor Shop in West Seneca. “We saw it as a way to give back to the community that has been so good to us in our 27 years in business.” 

Assistant District Attorney Jack J. Niejadlik in the DA’s Felony Trials Bureau prosecuted the domestic violence case and helped coordinate the jacket repurpose project.