Kim Hayden takes 1st in Paint the City Blue competition

Kim Hayden's photo that took top honors.

ROCHESTER - For the third year in a row, Rochester celebrated National Thank a Police Officer Day by Painting the City Blue on Saturday, September 19.

Each year representatives from the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Rochester Rotary Club, Holy Rosary Credit Union, The Rochester Elks Lodge #1393 and Rochester Main Street come together to recognize the positive impact that the Rochester Police Department has on our community and to show appreciation for our local police officers. Community members got in on the action by participating in a Decorating Content with cash prizes on the line - Hervey's Tire served as the sponsor for that event for the second year in a row. Kim Hayden of Liberty Street took the top prize, while Sue Cook of Kendall Street and Sheena Downs of Janet Street came in second and third place. It has become a highlight of this celebration to see community member's show off their creativity and pay respect to the men and women of the Rochester Police Department. Businesses were sure to get in on the action as well, hanging banners and flags showing their support.

This year the committee created a website https://www.thankarc.com/ which served as a platform to promote the event and highlight our police officers and their ongoing commitment to our city. Children were able to download coloring pages and then upload them for officers to see. Thanks to local donations from Hannaford, Mitchell Hill BBQ, Granite Steak & Grill, Groen Construction and Buffalo Wild Wings we were able to ensure that the RPD were treated to some delicious food throughout their shifts. A team of volunteers gathered and painted the jersey barriers on North Main Street and literally painted the city blue to show support and to brighten the downtown.

The National Thank a Police Officer Day Committee would like to thank our businesses, families and community members for helping make this event such a wonderful success each year.