HOPEWELL JUNCTION – In honor of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Wappingers Central School District (WCSD) Superintendent Dr. Dwight Bonk recognized the seven agencies that serve the District: the New York State Police, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, the Town of East Fishkill, the Town of Fishkill, the Town of Poughkeepsie, the Village of Fishkill, and the Village of Wappingers Falls police departments on Friday.
Created in 2015 by Concerns Of Police Survivors (COPS) following the officer-involved shooting in Ferguson, Missouri, in August 2014, National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (January 9), in its 11th year and is celebrated nationwide and supported by organizations including the Fraternal Order of Police, FBI National Academy Associates, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
“I truly value the relationships that we have built with our law enforcement agencies,” Dr. Bonk said. “We work collaboratively with one common goal: to create a safe and secure environment for our staff and students that fosters optimal teaching and learning for all.”
Dr. Bonk expressed his gratitude to Dutchess County Sheriff Kirk Imperati for his invaluable support of the district’s Safe Schools Initiative. “By pairing an increased law enforcement presence with a significant expansion of student mental health services, we are creating the safest school environment possible–one where our students and staff can learn, thrive, and ultimately reach their highest potential,” he said.
“I want to thank Dr. Bonk and the District for recognizing all law enforcement for their hard work and dedication to our community,” said Sheriff Imperati. “Our relationship with the District is extremely strong, and we remain committed to the safety and security of students and staff. I look forward to continuing our work together.”
Throughout the district, individual schools collaborated with their PTAs to honor and celebrate the officers in their buildings, who work to keep the schools safe while also serving as role models and offering students a safe place to reach out for help.
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