Berlin Police There For Ill 4-year-old Girl

BERLIN/NEW HAVEN, CT — The Berlin Police Department's official charge ties them to the boundaries of the town they serve.

But department members' personal charges tie them to the greater good, something that was on full display in New Haven for an emotional party for a very ill, 4-year-old girl.

Wednesday, the department posted of its involvement in helping make the wish of Mystic resident Eliana Palacio come true.

Eliana, despite her very young age, has terminal cancer and has been staying at Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital while battling her illness.

It was there that hospital staff and loved ones decided to grant her one more wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Knowing little Eliana loved the beach and ocean, a contingent of medical staff, family, friends and law enforcement representatives took the little girl for a visit to Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven on Wednesday.

There, Eliana was treated to a picnic on the beach surrounded by her family.

Part of that contingent was the Berlin Police Department's Community Relations Team.

On this poignant day, Officer Dylan Breen, Officer Aimee Krzykowski and police dog Casner were able to travel to Yale-New Haven and be a part of the police escort to the park.

"Eliana Palacio has terminal cancer and wanted to hear the waves one last time, so surrounded by family, friends, hospital staff and law enforcement from throughout the state, Eliana’s wish came true and went off without a hitch," wrote the Berlin Police Department via Facebook.

"Eliana was escorted from the hospital to an ambulance where comfort/emotional support dogs from multiple agencies stood by.

"Eliana was then given a full police escort from the hospital to Lighthouse Point Park where she spent time with all of her loved ones on the beach and had a full picnic laid out for them to enjoy as a family."

While gratitude was the order of the day, Berlin police said they were indebted to the cause as well.

"Berlin is always honored to support and be there for those in need and is proud to have been part of Eliana’s wish," police wrote.

For the Berlin Police Department's Facebook page, click on this link.

For a New Haven Independent, a Patch partner, story on the poignant picnic, click on this link.