NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Over 50 students, youth bureau staff and police officers gathered at Patsy’s Pizzeria for the 1st annual “Dinner with our Finest” event on Monday, June 4. The event was hosted by the Mentors in Blue program, a collaboration by the New Rochelle Youth Bureau, The New Rochelle Police Department and local youth.
“This dinner was another step in building on the relationship and interaction between police and our youth,” said Youth Bureau Executive Director Kelly Johnson.
Through constructive dialogue, each side had a chance to learn about the other. Students had sit-down conversations with officers discussing topics that ranged from how to become a police officer to the excitement of their upcoming 8th grade dance.
“It was a pleasure for our officers to continue the mentorship program with our youth,” said Lt. Edward Hayes. “The New Rochelle Police Department is dedicated to continuing our long standing community policing policy, one that includes every officer and every citizen.”
“The kids seemed to be really involved and excited to engage and interact with the officers and staff,” said Youth Bureau Program Coordinator and retired NRPD Detective Brianne Smith
This is the third event for the Mentors in Blue program, established in February 2018. The Program kicked off with a Youth Forum attracting 60 students and continued with a “Meet the Fleet” event that featured a Q&A session with officers and then a tour of the New Rochelle Police Department.