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Dunmore Police Say Merry Christmas

DUNMORE — Police were targeting drivers Monday afternoon in one part of Lackawanna County. But the officers weren’t handing out tickets. Dunmore pol...
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DUNMORE -- Police were targeting drivers Monday afternoon in one part of Lackawanna County.

But the officers weren't handing out tickets.

Dunmore police officers were at the Dunmore Elementary Center during dismissal prepared to pull over drivers to give them a little Christmas present instead of a ticket.

Dunmore borough teamed up with Dunkin' Donuts for the holiday surprise.

Sirens and flashing lights in your rear view typically set off a minor panic.

Driver Denise Walton was more than a little nervous, but instead of a ticket, Dunmore police officer Tom Richardson handed her a Christmas present.

"I was like, 'Oh, God.' I was like, 'my daughter's in the front seat, I have my other kids in the back,'" said Walton. "(But) I got a gift card to Dunkin' Donuts!"

Dunmore's borough manager came up with the idea. The Dunkin' Donuts in town matched the borough's donations. Together, they had more than 100 gift cards to give out to unsuspecting drivers.

"Today by giving these out, I hope it makes everybody realize that, you know, they're just like you and me," said Jackie Czacher, Dunkin' Donuts.

Dunmore police hoped they would seem more approachable when they approach a car window.

Along with pulling people over, officers stopped drivers in the busy Dunmore school parking lot during dismissal, maybe a reminder to slow down and look out for good going on.

"Well, when I pulled up I thought, I was hoping that there was not an issue, honestly. And then I noticed he was carrying the bags so I figured it must be something good, for a change," said Eric Rudy of Dunmore.

Rudy says it's nice to smile after getting something from a police officer.

Some drivers were surprised it all didn't come with a catch. There was nothing to give, either.

"I don't make a donation?"

"No, you are the donor. Merry Christmas!"

Dunmore borough officials got the idea after seeing a national story about a police department in the midwest doing something similar. There is no word whether this stunt will become a holiday tradition.

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