Boy gives free lunch to Adams police
ADAMS TWP — The violence against police that has been occurring nationally spurred a young man to provide a feast for the Adams Township police force.
“I did it because of all the things happening down in the South,” said Evan Szafranski, 10. “Just think, without the police, it would be very dangerous.”
Evan and his father, Gary Szafranski, on Wednesday provided five pizzas, five orders of wings, several large hoagies, salad, garlic toast, chips and soda to the township officers on duty at the police station on Valencia Road.
“We had so much food that we called the public works department in, and they got to eat too,” said Robert Scanlon, assistant police chief.
He said he was impressed that a citizen so young would go to the effort of providing a meal for his officers.
“I think it’s very honorable,” Scanlon said. “It’s a pleasant gesture with everything going on in society today.”
Gary Szafranski said his family, including Evan, are disheartened over the disrespect and violence against police, especially since Gary’s father was a police officer for 35 years.
“(Evan) sees the negative news and hears about what is going on in today’s world,” Gary Szafranski said. “So he said ‘Let’s do something nice for the police.’”
The father and son discussed it and decided to put out a flier about the lunch in their Adams Ridge neighborhood on White Water, Cherry Blossom and Blue Spruce drives. The flier explained the purpose of the lunch and asked for donations to buy the food.
Gary Szafranski talked to Adams Police Chief Shawn Anglum about his family’s efforts.
“We said ‘This is something we want to do for you guys, just to say thanks and show our support,’” he said.
After collecting $130 from their neighbors, Gary Szafranski contacted Posti’s Pizza in Mars. He told the manager of his plans, and asked for whatever food the restaurant could provide for the $130.
“They threw in some extras for sure, so kudos to them,” Gary Szafranski said.
Scanlon said the luncheon made the officers reminisce about the culture of police work in years past, when a large majority of citizens respected and appreciated their police.
“We are here to help the people first and foremost,” Scanlon said. “It was great to see the support.”
Evan also enjoyed having lunch with the police.
“It was fun to eat lunch at the police station,” he said.
Evan, who will enter the fifth grade at the Mars Centennial School in the fall, says he wants to be a marine biologist when he grows up. He is glad the Adams police officers enjoyed their luncheon and understood its meaning.
“I would like to do another one next year where the whole community gets involved,” Evan said. “I wish it could become a national holiday so a lot of people would celebrate the police for keeping the community safe.”
