Fairfield Resident Bakes Treats As A Thank You To Fairfield Police

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield resident Georgiana Stavrolakes has always loved to cook, but the frequent cooking she does now is more like a calling.

For nearly three years, she bakes desserts and treats — pretty much on a weekly basis — for the Fairfield Police Department as a thank you for their actions on a fateful summer day in 2020.

Stavrolakes is one of the Greenfield Hill area residents to witness the aftermath of the death of Marileidy Morel Araujo, a 32-year-old Pennsylvania woman who was visiting Fairfield when she was struck and killed by a vehicle while walking her dog.

Declan Kot, a former Easton emergency medical technician, was found guilty of second-degree manslaughter and other charges, and was sentenced to 20 years in prison, suspended after seven years served.

"I was really impressed by how members of the Fairfield Police Department all stepped up during the investigation," Stavrolakes told Patch. "I felt moved to do something."

And so she began to bake and drop off all kinds of treats for the department. This week, she dropped off:

• 2 carrot cakes with toasted walnuts and rum soaked golden raisin and a rum cream cheese frosting (one has chopped walnuts encrusting the frosting)
• 50 Almond lace cookies sandwiched with melted Dark Callebaut Chocolate (a high-end Belgian chocolate)
• 45 Devils dark chocolate cake brownie with Ghirardelli dark chocolate chips (made with oil instead of butter)

"I try to make things that will last for a day or two, but the officers seem to eat them pretty quickly," Stavrolakes said with a smile, adding that she's offered to make granola bars, but the officers prefer sweets they cannot readily obtain.

The department recently honored Stavrolakes at a police commission meeting by presenting her with a certificate of recognition and a customized chef's coat. The certificate reads:

"For your unwavering support, generosity, and weekly sweet treats that assist the men and women of the Fairfield Police Department accomplish their mission."

Fairfield Police Lt. Michael Paris said the department appreciates her act of kindness.

"She's been a savior for us," Paris told Patch. "It's an incredible gesture, and it brightens our day."

Stavrolakes said she was humbled by the honor from the department, and the officers' level of appreciation and gratitude.

"It just feels good to be able to do something," she said. "They do so much for the community, I think a lot of people take that for granted."