We know that some people were confused by a recent mass mailing from the “Bridgewater Police Foundation.” To be clear, the Foundation is not affiliated with the Town, and donations don’t go to us. But neither is it a scam. It is a charitable corporation, chartered in Virginia and headquartered in Dayton.
Its mission, we understand, is to support the Bridgewater PD in various ways. We welcome support from all people and in all forms, but we also note that the taxpayers provide very well for the PD. The proposed police budget for the upcoming fiscal year is nearly $1.4 million(!) and is aimed toward making our force the highest paid in the area.
Residents are accustomed to receiving mailings from the volunteer fire company and rescue squad, and some wondered whether there had been a change in the police department’s status. Rest assured that there has been no change. The PD is still fully funded. Some folks just decided to lend a hand, and that’s fine.