(above) Police Chief David Hart, Lieutenant John Mekovetz, Ingrid Andrade, Branch Manager of Columbia Bank’s Linden office, Mayor Derek Armstead, Minoska Mateo, Acting Executive Director of the Columbia Bank Foundation, and School Resource Officer Leon Paster Jr.
Linden Police Roll Out Community Policing Vehicle
The Linden Police Department is hoping people will take notice as they unveiled their new Community Policing vehicle.
“This car is designed to get people’s attention,” said Police Chief Dave Hart. “It will be used at various events, and we hope that when people see this car it at various community events they remember our commitment to serving our neighbors.”
The new Ford Escape was purchased and equipped using part of a $52,044 from the Columbia Bank Foundation. Other projects made possible by the grant include a community smart board, a donation to the Linden Police Youth Academy, and a new recreational scoreboard.
“We are pleased that the Columbia Bank Foundation was able to support several projects for the community of Linden,” said Thomas J. Kemly, President and CEO of Columbia Bank. “We are confident that the donations will touch the lives of many.”
The Columbia Bank Foundation was created to serve the needs of local communities, and provide grants and contributions to organizations recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Columbia Bank Foundation actively seeks to provide support in six major areas: affordable housing programs, community investment and economic development opportunities, financial literacy and educational opportunities, health and human services, food pantries, and the arts. Special consideration is always given to programs that provide a measurable community impact. For more information regarding the Columbia Bank Foundation and grant eligibility requirements, please visit columbiabankonline.com/foundation.
