COMPTROLLER MYCHAJLIW HONORS ORCHARD PARK DARE OFFICERS FOR COMMUNITY POLICING EFFORTS

Police department has prioritized DARE programming for 25 years 

 Erie County Comptroller Stefan I. Mychajliw Jr. honored members of the Orchard Park Police Department for their commitment to its Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, commonly called “DARE,” which has been going strong in the town for 25 years.  According to the Orchard Park Police Department, more than 15,000 fifth-grade students in eight separate elementary schools have participated in their DARE program. 

“This is community policing done right. For the past 25 years, the Orchard Park Police Department committed strong resources to present the DARE program for children. Many young people were put on the right path to avoid drug and alcohol abuse thanks to this noble effort. Thank you to Chief Denz and all the officers for their support of DARE and working directly with youth,” said Comptroller Mychajliw. 

During a ceremony in which the police department and officers were honored as Erie County Citizens of the Month for December 2018, Comptroller Mychajliw recognized their contributions with certificates of merit. Honored were: Chief Andrew Benz, Officer Tom Buranich, Detective John Payne, Lt. Patrick Fitzgerald, Officer Leonard Govenittio, Officer Brian Lukowski and Officer Kristen Mazur.   

“I appreciate the importance of having dedicated law enforcement professionals in our community. Thank you to all police officers for putting your lives on the line every single day to protect our families and community. I have a great deal of respect for those that choose the profession of law enforcement.  These brave officers that commit their lives to protecting others deserve and command our respect,” concluded Comptroller Mychajliw.