WESTFIELD – Members of the public may begin hearing from professional fundraisers representing the Westfield Police Association next week and, although the callers will not be police officers, their requests for donations are legitimate.
Police officers are prohibited by law from soliciting donations, association president Mark Carboneau explained, so professional fundraisers are employed to raise the funds the officers of the association use to benefit the youth athletic teams, charities and other organizations supported by the association.
No other law enforcement group in the city is currently asking residents for contributions, Carboneau said, and pointed out that although residents may be solicited by representatives of other police related groups, donations to the organizations such as the Massachusetts Police Association or D.A.R.E. will not directly benefit Westfield or its residents.
He asks no cash be contributed and that checks be made payable to The Westfield Police Association.
If you have questions about the fundraiser, the association or its programs, call Carboneau at 413-564-3100 or 413-246-3794.
