Community donates large supply of food to surprise Ormond Beach Police Department

What started as just spouses of police personnel wanting to do something for their partners, turned into an entire community saying "thanks."

By Emily Blackwood
| 2:30 p.m. July 16, 2016

Hunter Borzner and Tyler Pavelka were among the many children who came out to the potluck July 15 to say thank you to the police officers (Photo by Emily Blackwood).

Lisi Brugone is a big advocate for her husband, officer Stephen Brugone.

The potluck also included a cake for the OBPD to enjoy.

Officer Caleb Bruan filled up his plate with the many different foods donated from local individuals and businesses.

Michelle Pavelka signed a poster board to thank the officers at the Ormond Beach Police Department.

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

The breakroom at the Ormond Beach Police Department Friday night had two of everything — sometimes even three.

Fruit salad, crab dip, homemade cupcakes, Chick-Fil-A platters and a very popular lasanga were just a few of the items available for the police officers to chose from. Because nothing says "thank you for your service," like a whole bunch of food.

When organizer Alyssa LaBrie was asked exactly how much was donated, she could only reply "a lot."

"On Sunday we came home and had balloons on our mailbox from our nieghbor that said 'Thank you,'" said LaBrie, who's husband is a police officer with OBPD. "It made my husbands whole day that someone took the time to do that."

That random act of kindness spurred Brie on to asking the other officer's spouses if they'd like to help her host a surprise potluck for the department. Within a few days, it grew to include 34 local families and businesses donating food to event.

"Every single one of their calls is an act of heroism," said Lisi Brugone, who's husband is an officer. "They almost don't want the recognition, because for them it's a part of their every day life. It's normal. But this isn't just a job. It takes a different kind of breed to do this. You have to be born with it."

The event was held in between the day and night shift change so all officers could take part. Officer Tom Garcia was one of the few surprised in the beginning.

"It's good to know the community is behind us," he said.

SIDEBAR: Families and businesses who donated: