The Meadows residents honor law enforcement

Leticia Timmerman, recreation director at The Meadows, said residents also benefited from the project.

“We like to stay connected and integrated in the community as much as we can. This was a way we could recognize our local law enforcement officers to uplift them and make their day.”

Timmerman said it’s another example of how residents support the community. “We have everything under our roof, former educators, veterans, an entire array of trailblazers. We are in a position to take time and appreciate those in current positions. We have helped with special projects such as stuffing envelopes for post-prom and helping with the back-to-school fair. We are connected at both West Delaware and St. Mary’s schools.”

Resident Doris Helmrichs was happy to help put together the care packages. “It made me think about our law enforcement people and how much I appreciate them. Each piece of candy had a special meaning.”

Hap Kint also helped prepare the gifts. “I never realized we had that many law enforcement officials in the community. In my message, I told them I wanted them to remain safe.”

Delaware County Sheriff John LeClere said his staff appreciated the gifts.

“It’s nice to know people are thinking of us. With all the negative publicity a lot of law enforcement departments have had in the last couple of years, it’s been just the opposite in Delaware County. We get a lot of people in support of us and everyone in this department appreciates that.”

Manchester Police Chief Jim Hauschild echoed LeClere’s comments. “We greatly appreciate the citizens of the community thinking of us. It’s nice to know people appreciate what we do and are willing to go above and beyond to take care of us.”

Resident Bob Francois helped deliver the care packages. “I took part because I appreciate law enforcement,” Francois said. He cracked a joke with officials in his note to them.

“I thanked them for their service but told them not to arrest me,” he said.