LEWISTON – More than 70 police officers were greeted the day before Christmas with morning brunch, a thank-you from local people for the officers’ hard work.

By 8 a.m., men and women began serving bacon-wrapped scallops, red roasted potatoes, lasagna, meatballs, pies, cakes and other foods to the officers, some of whom would also be working on Christmas Day.

“They know it doesn’t make up for being with your family,” said Patrol Officer Hart Daley, who planned to work on Thursday. “But this is unbelievable.”

The spread was put on by several local groups, including the Citizens’ Police Alumni of Central Maine and the Police Athletic League. Dunkin’ Donuts donated some of the food. Paul Morency, president of the alumni group and the owner of the Midnight Blues Club and Restaurant, had his own staff working at 6 a.m. Wednesday to finish preparations for the buffet-style meal.

Morency believes such demonstrations of support have even greater meaning to officers at times such as these.

Last week, Lewiston police shot a man who entered the department’s cruiser yard and allegedly threatened an officer with a hammer.

“The job can be dangerous,” Morency said. “They’re protecting us.”

The brunch is intended to become an annual event, Morency said. The groups also want to hold a summer barbecue each year with the same thank-you message.

Police Chief William Welch said he appreciated the work of all the volunteers, who numbered more than a dozen.

The food greeted the morning officers who had worked all night, the day shifters and even some who stopped by over the course of the morning.

dhartill@sunjournal.com

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