Groups gear up for National Thank a Police Officer Day

ROCHESTER - A celebration planned in recognition and appreciation of Rochester police officers is scheduled for Sept. 15, which is National Thank A Police Officer Day.

The "Paint the City Blue" event is sponsored by The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Rochester Rotary Club, Holy Rosary Credit Union, American Legion Unit 7 Women's Auxiliary and Rochester Main Street.

Public spaces will be decorated with blue ribbons, bows and lights including the Rochester Common, Parson Main, downtown light poles and green space along a portion of Columbus Avenue. Portions of other arterial roads including Wakefield, South Main and North Main streets will also be decorated. Many are volunteering to help with this effort and some local schools are developing artwork that will be displayed at several downtown businesses.

The community of Rochester is invited to join in showing support of the members of the Rochester Police Department by hanging a blue ribbon, bow, or balloon on a tree or mailbox which is visible from the street, replace a porch or walkway light bulb with a blue one, string blue Christmas lights on a small tree or shrub, put up a yard sign, or anything else in the spirit of the event.

The group has purchased for distribution a limited number of bows, light bulbs, and yard signs. These items are available at the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce at 18 South Main Street in Rochester, Granite Steak & Grill at 11 Farmington Road and Holy Rosary Credit Union at 133 Brock Street in Rochester. Items are free, but donations will be accepted.

Business Partners to date include: Atlantic Broadband, Bernier Insurance, Compass Home Inspections, LLC, Cornerstone VNA, Federal Savings Bank, Feliciano Limousine LLC, Frisbie Memorial Hospital, Granite Steak & Grill, Hervey's Tire Company, Hope on Haven Hill, Immanuel Insurance Agency, Kittery Point Construction, Lachapelle & Higgins Insurance, Monarch School of New England, Norman Vetter Foundations, Profile Bank, Rochester Country Club, The Rochester Voice and Wit-Way Supply

Individual Partners to date include Bill Cormier and Dan & Jackie Fitzpatrick.