Vernon Police 'Humbled' By Displays of Post-Dallas Support

VERNON, CT - Vernon police on Monday said they have received and outpouring of support from the community in the wake of the Dallas police shootings.

Cards and letters have come in and officers have been treated to snacks and food, Public Information officer Det. James Grady said.

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One letter was hand-written by a 10-year-old named Islabella who thanked police "for helping me and keeping me safe."

Police Chief James Kenny said the gestures have left an impact, even by Vernon's standards. The police in town generally have the public support of residents.

"This is but one of many instances, big and small, where the citizens of Vernon have expressed their support for this department," Kenny said. "I am so honored to be associated with this department and this community.”

Hockanum Valley Community Council chief executive David Engelson recently brought an crew of volunteers to the police department to drop off 70 care packages. The number is symbolic of the 50-strong roster of sworn officers and the remaining staff members, he said.

"We put together food and other items. If an officer needs the items, the officer can keep the items. The packages can also be placed in cruisers to hand out to the community," he said. "This is a gesture designed to make the lives of the officers easier. Their jobs have never been tougher, because no one knows what is around the corner - even during a routine traffic stop."

Said Kenny, "Words cannot express the gratitude I have for the members of the HVCC for thinking of the men and woman here at the department," he said.

Capt. John Kelley said the gestures in his hometown have had an impact.

"The Vernon Police Department is very thankful for the donations and all the support shown by HVCC and the rest of the community," he said. "There has been a steady stream of items left at the police department and well wishes from many people. We are very appreciative and humbled by this."

Support has been coming in for days on the VPD Facebook page.

Here are examples:

• Kudos to Chief Kenny and the entire Vernon Police Department for everything they do. Vernon is so blessed to have such and amazing group of dedicated law enforcement officers that go above and beyond the call of duty 24/7.
• Thank you to the best PD for keeping our town of Vernon safe!