A Belleville police officer well known for his strong bonds with the community led the charge on another project but this time the aid was aimed
at an older demographic.
Constable Pat Comeau had been watching CNN which was covering the plight of seniors during a lockdown in Italy when the thought struck that older folks in Belleville would likely be needing special attention.
From there Constable Comeau spearheaded an effort involving 21 other member of the service in conjunction with the United Way and Good Food Box program to deliver food to isolated seniors during the early days of the pandemic lockdown.
The deliveries, often done in scorching temperatures, were mostly performed by auxiliary officers or those that were off duty.
The deliveries served other purposes as well, as the officers could spot seniors in distress or who were ill and get them assistance.
Teddy bears were even given to those who were lonely, much to their delight.
The group made 343 deliveries, driving 1,750 kilometres in the process.
“I was just a cog in the wheel. It was a team effort” said Constable Comeau as he spoke to a meeting of the Belleville Police Services Board Thursday.
Acting Chief Mike Callaghan said “I haven’t heard of any other police service doing this kind of thing in their community. This is yet another example of the compassion Constable Comeau has for the people in our community.”
Many residents will know the Constable for leading summer and winter fishing derbies for kids and their families.
