Vermont Business Magazine Community Bank NA recently presented a $7,500 donation to the Williston Police Department in support of its Comfort K9 program. The comfort dog program is the first of its kind in Vermont. K9 Duke was born in March and officially joined the Williston Police Department in the beginning of May.
Comfort dogs provide thoughtful interactions during investigations to reduce anxiety and increase communication between the adult or child victim/witness and investigators. The dogs offer comfort to people during times of crisis and provide aid and relief to those impacted by violence or tragic events. The program is a valuable tool in fostering dialogue and connections between police and the communities they serve.
Community Bank Regional Manager Anita Bourgeois and K9 Duke
“We are thrilled that our donation will help support a new program that will greatly benefit the Williston Police Department and the community of Williston,” Community Bank Regional Manager Anita Bourgeois said. “We are committed to supporting our Williston friends and neighbors and look forward to seeing the many benefits the Comfort K9 program will bring to our community — the program is very deserving of the support.”
“Having a strong partnership within the community is appreciated and welcome, and I commend Community Bank in stepping forward and supporting our initiative in bringing what we believe is an essential program to the community of Williston and the Williston Police Department,” Williston Police Chief Patrick T. Foley said. “We thank Community Bank for the tremendous $7,500 donation."
The police department hopes K9 Duke also will help foster communication with other members of the community outside emergency situations as part of its community policing strategy.
About Community Bank System, Inc.
Community Bank System, Inc. operates more than 250 customer facilities (including branches and ATM locations) across Upstate New York, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Vermont and Western Massachusetts through its banking subsidiary, Community Bank N.A. and has been serving its communities for more than 150 years. With approximately $11.4 billion in assets, the DeWitt, New York-headquartered company is among the country’s 125 largest financial institutions. Community Bank N.A. has consistently been ranked among the top 12 best banks in America by Forbes Magazine since the list was first published in 2009, and was most recently ranked tenth in 2020. In addition to a full range of retail and business banking services, the Company offers comprehensive financial planning, insurance and wealth management services through its subsidiaries/business units that include: OneGroup NY Inc., which provides risk management and commercial insurance, employee benefits and personal lines insurance; Community Bank Wealth Management, which provides investment advisory, personal trust and financial planning services, as well as personal, business and nonprofit portfolio design; and Benefit Plans Administrative Services Inc., which provides actuarial, retirement and VEBA/HRA plan administration, and collective investment fund, employee benefit trust and transfer agency services on a national scale.
Source: Williston, Vt. — Community Bank cbna.com