Kids Take Time to Thank Teaneck Police

Visiting a police station is a common rite of childhood. But going to a police department to say thank you is not common, said Yehudah Kohn of Teaneck. Which was why he brought his son Joshua, 7, to an event Sunday sponsored by Chabad of Teaneck in which children made thank you cards and gifts and brought them to Teaneck police officers.

Unfortunately, many people have a negative perception of police, said Rabbi Michoel Goldin, the youth and teen director for Chabad of Teaneck. “All they know is the rearview mirror lights.”

“The Teaneck police put their lives on the line for our community,” he explained to the group of about 40 children on Sunday, as they colored cards with flowers, rainbows and jail cells. “They are there to help and protect us.”

The program is part of Kids in Action, a series of monthly activities to motivate children ages 6-12 to give to others in their community through acts of kindness.

At the station, they were greeted by Officer Daniel Dalessio who said getting thank-you notes would certainly raise morale among the ranks. “It’s always good to get a thank you,” he said. Then he instructed the children to put their goodie bags into the officers’ mail boxes. “They will sure be surprised when they find this Monday,” he said.

As Nitay Eshed, 9, followed Dalessio on a tour, he noticed a box of Dunkin’ Donuts on a desk. “That’s what police do!” he exclaimed.

Dalessio showed the kids the room where criminals are brought when they are arrested and their property is placed in lockers. And the group saw a Breathalyzer for measuring alcohol on a person’s breath and a fingerprint machine that instantly sends the digital print to the state. “We don’t do it on paper anymore,” Dalessio said.

Then he led them to the jail cells —one set for men, another for women. Eshed was shocked when he saw the open toilets. “Everyone can see you do your business!” he cried.

When they were led to the shooting range downstairs, one brave girl asked, “Can I try shooting?” When Dalessio explained that the range was where the officers had to train twice a year, she was unimpressed. “That’s it?” she said.

Dalessio laughed.