Their gesture was captured by Springfield's TV22 News team (see link below).
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP TV22) – A symbol of respect and affection for Springfield Police Tuesday, July 26.
In light of demonstrations across the country targeting police officers in the past month, [Central High School and Putnam Vocational Technical Academy] students wanted to show police officers they appreciate their sacrifice.
Students from The GEAR UP program delivered cookies and coffee to the Springfield Police Department Tuesday.
The gesture was meant to show officers, that young people still view them as heroes and that their efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Channing Calcasola [from MassEdCO’s GEAR UP programs at Central High and Putnam Academy] told 22News, “Because many of our students do live right in Springfield and they want to give back and show the police that they appreciate everything that they do.“
Police received a signed card by students, with messages of encouragement. Commissioner John Barberi, accepted the gift, on behalf of the police department. Barberi told 22News, police officers care about the people and the communities they serve, and love their job.