It always pays to be on the right side of the law — even more so at holiday time.
Members of the Lake Orion Police Officers Association demonstrated their generosity this week with a pair of timely donations to the community.
Police Reserve officers Commander Dave Mirko and Sgt. Rob Reetz turned over $250 checks to the Lake Orion Lions Club and Carl Slomzcenski, to benefit their respective causes during the holiday season.
Mirko said the goodwill gesture is intended to show that police officers do more than just enforce the law. They are dedicated to the community at large.
‘We’re not always the bad guys. We try to help the community in any way we can,? said Mirko. ‘This is a small village and we all try to look out for one another.?
Mirko said it’s important to note that all funds raised by the Police Officers Association go directly to the people of Lake Orion.
‘The money goes to places like the Boys and Girls Clubs, Little League baseball, the high school yearbook and the all-night party for graduating seniors,? he said.
Dave Tucker, who represented the Lake Orion Lions Club said the donation is crucial to the success of the Lions? Christmas Food Basket program.
‘It’s nice to see the benevolent side of the police officers,? said Tucker. ‘It takes these kinds of contributions to help us get our food baskets out to the people who need them.?
Slomzcenski, owner of CJ’s Village Cafe, said the donation would be used to help pay for food and expenses incurred at the restaurant’s annual free Thanksgiving dinner for the community.
‘This is a great thing,? he said. ‘It’s fantastic that they’re helping out. It means so much to the people who come to the restaurant on Thanksgiving Day.?
Lake Orion Police Chief Jerry Narsh said the Police Officers Assocation includes every member of the department, all of whom contribute to the cause.
‘Collectively, they all work very hard,? he said. ‘This is our way to give back to the community.?