Stratford Mayor's Tee Off Pays Off For Town Police Athletic League

STRATFORD, Conn. — The Stratford Police Athletic League has $10,000 more to spend on programs for town youth, thanks to a donation from Mayor John Harkins from his Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament.

Stratford Mayor John Harkins, second from left, donates $10,000 from his charity golf tournament to Stratford PAL as (left to right) Lt. Curtis Eller, School Resource Officer Alex Voccola and Police Chief Joseph McNeil look on.
Photo Credit: *Meredith Guinness*

Stratford PAL runs several programs for kids, including baseball teams.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

Meredith Guinness

11/02/2017 5:00 a.m.

The mayor presented the donation to Police Chief Joseph McNeil at Town Hall Wednesday.

“We’re trying to emphasize the importance of PAL in the community,” Harkins said. “Look at the impact it has on kids.”

PAL is a youth outreach division of the Stratford Police Department. It runs Stratford Police Explorers, an award-winning Junior Rifle Team, boxing, karate, basketball, baseball, football, community gardening and cartooning programs throughout the year.

PAL serves thousands of Stratford children, offering free or low-cost programs fostering a positive environment for youth and police officers. No child is ever turned away for financial reasons.

Police officers said Wednesday’s donation will help its popular programs thrive.

“This will keep us going for a while,” said Lt. Curtis Eller.

To learn more or donate, visit www.stratfordctpd.com or contact PAL Executive Director Sgt. James Lofton.

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