By Liz Leamy
This past Sunday, Michael and Valerie D’Angelo, longtime residents of Hillcrest Park in Old Greenwich, showed their appreciation of the role, commitment, and efforts of the Greenwich Police Department by providing some tasty fare from Anthony’s New York Hot Dogs and More food truck for the Department’s members and employees.
This fun and memorable event, held from noon to 2 p.m. in front of the Greenwich Police Department (GPD) headquarters drew more than 60 of the town’s finest, who enjoyed chili cheese hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries, soda, sparkling water and more on a sunny July day.
A friendly, warm, and welcoming contingent of members of the GPD on hand spent time enjoying their lunch and chatting with everyone on hand, including Valerie and Michael D’Angelo, their 13 year-old son, Michael John and all the other individuals who stopped by to enjoy the fare and show their appreciation for the efforts and role of the GPD here in town.
The D’Angelos were delighted to be able to provide a show of support and appreciation for the GPD.
“We did this simply to show our appreciation for all of the efforts and labors of the police force,” said Michael D’Angelo, who grew up in Greenwich and is a Greenwich High School graduate, class of 1985. “I have seen for far too long too many people, not only in our town, but in our country enjoying the freedom, safety, and security provided by our great police and military that is taken for granted, and we simply wanted to take action to let our great Greenwich Police force know how much we personally care. Our hope is to truly inspire many others to show appreciation in any way possible.”
D’Angelo’s wife, Valerie, agreed. “We’re just very grateful for everyone on the Greenwich Police force and for all of their service.”
“We wanted to show our support and appreciation for everyone involved with the Greenwich Police Department,” she added, “and hope this also brings greater awareness as to how much we need their protection.”
The D’Angelo’s son, Michael John was also very happy to have been involved with the event. “I love the police and am so grateful for them.”
Michael John Jr. will be starting eighth grade this fall at Eastern Middle School and plays football for the Greenwich Youth Football League’s North Mianus Bulldogs. “They do so much for our town.”
Anthony Romeo, owner and proprietor of Anthony’s Hot Dogs and More, has three locations in Westchester as well as the mobile truck. He said it had been a nice event. “I feel so protected.”
According to Romeo, some of the most popular items of the day included chili dogs, hamburgers, and fries.
Ashley Laurenco, a Greenwich resident on hand was thrilled to have had the opportunity to say thank you to the GPD. “I was so happy to be here,” she said, “the Greenwich Police Department is great. The police officers are always welcoming, and I feel they really care and look out for us,” said Laurenco. “I also think it’s important for our first responders to know they are supported by the people who they help protect and keep safe.”
It was an uplifting event, showing how fortunate the town is to have a dedicated group of individuals who help to protect and serve the community on a daily basis.
