Story by Janmarie Foschini

     Christine and Will Moley, the owners of Greenwood Lake Bagels, located at 93 Windermere Ave. in Greenwood Lake, hosted their first annual “Coffee With a Cop” event on Sat., Dec. 9. Officer Leanne Malara and Officer Daniel Jones were on hand to meet residents.

      Several residents of the G.L. Community came out to visit with local officers and enjoyed causal conversation over coffee and donuts. Topics discussed included, “If I’m out of town what procedures should be followed?”

     Officer Malara and Officer Jones suggested that if a resident plans on being out of town or vacationing for a week or more, an out of town form can be filled out at the local Police Station. This allows officers to perform security checks of the homeowner’s residence and the officers will get out of their patrol cars and walk the property if something seems out of place. The officers suggest security systems and surveillance cameras if feasible for both homes and businesses.

      The following holiday tips to ward off any potential theft were given by the Officers:

• Crush down boxes (example: TV carton) when you place them at the curb. This way the identity of the item is not shown.
• Don’t leave packages on your step. Ask a neighbor to take them in or have them held at the central mailing office (Post Office, UPS Center).

      Officer Malara has been with the G.L. Police Department for five years and said, “I enjoy working for the Greenwood Lake community. I’ve noticed how everyone comes together when someone is in need and I admire that.”

      Officer Jones has been with the Department for one-and-a-half years and added, “I grew up around here and it is nice to police the community I grew up in.”

      The officers stated that Greenwood Lake is a safe community but cars and homes should always be locked and flood lights are good to have. Both Officer Malara and Officer Jones urged attendees not to ever hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. The Police Department is there to help.

      Local resident Louise McGeown, along with her children, Sean and Daniel, came to meet the officers and asked if bicycles can be registered. Officer Malara hosts an annual bike rodeo in May and bikes can be registered at that time. The rodeo also offers information about bike safety.

     Officer Malara stressed the importance of car seat safety and proper installation. The Department hosts a yearly car seat safety check. However, at any time residents can go to the Police Station and set up an appointment to have their child’s car seat checked.

      Another concern was wild animals that wander on the property of homeowners. Officer Malara said that the Police Department would be the first point of contact and they would handle the situation or contact Wild Life Personnel. Donna Kowal simply encouraged the officers to “keep up the good work.”

      Store owner Christine Moley said, “Thank you to Officers Malara and Jones for being here and meeting with our neighbors. We are honored to host events that bring the community together.”

Officer Daniel Jones (from left) & Officer Leanne Malara (right) met with the G.L. Community on Sat., Dec. 9 at Greenwood Lake Bagel Inc.’s first annual ‘Coffee With a Cop’ event. G.L. resident Jay Vega (center) met with the officers & said, ‘Greenwood Lake is a beautiful & great community & I’m a firm believer in law enforcement.’ Photo credit: Warwick Valley Dispatch/Janmarie Foschini

Christine Moley, co-owner of Greenwood Lake Bagels, hosted a ‘Coffee With a Cop’ event on Sat., Dec. 9. at her store. Pictured (from left) are: Officer Jones, G.L. resident Albert Suler, Moley, & Officer Malara. Photo credit: Warwick Valley Dispatch/Janmarie Foschini