Community Corner

‘Donut Boy’ Visits Essex County On Quest To Thank Cops Across US

The "Donut Boy" came to New Jersey on his quest to bring a small and sweet gesture of thanks to police officers in 50 states.

The “Donut Boy” came to NJ on his quest to bring a small and sweet gesture of thanks to police officers in 50 states.
The “Donut Boy” came to NJ on his quest to bring a small and sweet gesture of thanks to police officers in 50 states. (Photo: Fairfield PD)

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The “Donut Boy” came to Essex County, New Jersey last week on his quest to bring a small and sweet gesture of thanks to police officers in 50 states.

On May 3, Tyler Carach – an 11-year-old also known by the moniker of “Donut Boy” – paid a visit to the Fairfield Police Department with a box of pastries. It was the latest stop on a journey that’s lasted almost three years.

Carach first kicked off his campaign to “thank every police officer in America” with donuts in August 2016. Since that first purchase – which was made with Carach’s allowance – the tenacious youth and his mother, Sheena, have visited officers in 45 states, delivering more than 80,000 donuts along the way.

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The plan is to visit the 50th and final state, Hawaii, this August.

Fairfield Police Chief Anthony Manna met Tyler and his mom at a National Police Defense Foundation Dinner in New York City on May 1, where Carach received a special award. Manna invited Carach to visit Fairfield on his way back from his visit to Connecticut the next day.

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With the assistance of Anthony Calandra and his Hampton Inn hotel in Fairfield, the police department was able to show their appreciation for Carach by providing him a complimentary room before they had to head back to their home in Florida.

“It was our department’s great pleasure to host Tyler and his mom during their time in Fairfield,” Manna said. “Tyler is an amazing young man with a great spirit who certainly provides law enforcement officers around our country with great inspiration.”

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