Edgartown police take town seniors to lunch

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Edgartown police Chief Tony Bettencourt welcomed town seniors to lunch. — Photo by Steve Myrick

The Edgartown Patrolmen’s Association treated about 30 of the town’s senior citizens to lunch and a tour of police and fire facilities Wednesday.

“Here’s what the taxpayers pay for,” Chief Tony Bettencourt told the seniors as they settled in for a meal at fire headquarters.

Chief Bettencourt said he thought his department needed to reach out to the town’s older citizens, so they might see a familiar face if they need the services of the town’s public safety force.

“The senior center is a place we would like to be, and we really haven’t spent enough time there,” Chief Bettencourt said.

Officer William Bishop organized the event and kept a close eye on the kitchen, where Officer Joel DeRoche stirred his secret recipe clam chowder.

“He won’t tell us what’s in it,” Chief Bettencourt said. Sergeant Jonathan Searle simmered kale soup, and Officer Michael Gazaille prepared chicken salad sandwiches and apple crisp.

Humor was also on the menu. Edgartown information technology manager Adam Darack, an aspiring stand-up comic, entertained the seniors just before lunch. While he drew some hearty laughs, he was somewhat upstaged by his guests.

Even before the police officers, fire chief, and emergency medical service personnel could introduce themselves, a diner asked a question.

“Who is out there taking care of crime?” Jerry Fritz said, as he looked at a great part of the Edgartown police force standing in the front of the room.

With perfect comedic timing, another diner delivered the punch line.

“All the criminals are here,” she said.