CT State Troopers Receive Gift of Thanks from Grateful Spouce
Connecticut State Troopers at barracks around the state are receiving an unexpected surprise from the spouse of one of their own.
Kaitlin Bernier, wife of Trooper Douglas Bernier, decided in January to do something to show appreciation to the men and women of the Connecticut State Police. After some online research, Kaitlin Bernier decided to make 1,065 “Survival Kit” gift bags – one for each Trooper in Connecticut.
With the help of family and friends, they assembled the bags in about five weeks. Bags were ordered, labels printed, ribbons cut and candy donated to make the Survival Kits complete!
This week is celebrated around the country as National Police Week and Kaitlin decided this was the time to deliver the goods. She and her son, Karter, made their first stop at Troop I in Bethany on Monday, May 11. Afterwards, they traveled to Troop A in Southbury and Troop G in Bridgeport. She will visit the remaining eight Troops later this week.
During National Police Week May 10-16, thousands of law enforcement officers from across the nation are converging on Washington, D.C., to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This year, 273 names will be added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in the nation’s capital.
Connecticut will hold its annual Memorial Ceremony on May 21, 2015, at 11 a.m. at the CT Law Enforcement Memorial on the grounds of the Connecticut Police Academy in Meriden.
Kaitlin’s husband, Trooper Douglas Bernier, is a member of the 123rd State Police Training Troop and has been a Trooper for nearly two years.
Regarding the bags, Kaitlin Bernier said: “I started early this year and, of course, picked this week to do deliveries. It has been an awesome experience, the many people who reached out to help was unbelievable. I’d do it again in a heartbeat!”
The Connecticut State Police salutes Kaitlin Bernier for her thoughtful and considerate gifts to the men and women who put their lives on the line each day to protect the citizens of CT.
“State Troopers serve the people of Connecticut 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This very kind gesture by Kaitlin recognizes the sacrifices that each Trooper makes in order to serve the people with integrity, professionalism and dedication,” noted Colonel Brian Meraviglia, Commanding Officer of the State Police.