It has become a tradition; one that Bridgeport Police Department takes seriously. So does the community.

 

This year’s James and Derek Hotsinpiller Memorial Scholarship Fund Spaghetti Dinner is scheduled for May 7 at the Benedum Civic Center. As always, area businesses are stepping up to donate food items to make the fundraiser a success.

 

The dinner features spaghetti and meatballs, freshly-baked Italian bread, salad, drinks and dessert. Minard's Spaghetti Inn, Oliverio's Ristorante and Tomaro's Bakery are among local businesses which donate their famed, familiar items. 

 

The fundraiser annually yields $3,500 to $4,000, all which goes directly into the scholarship fund, said Bridgeport Police Officer Jamie Hamrick.

 

For the past five years or so, the spaghetti dinner has been the police department’s project; a way to support that scholarship which financially assists area students who choose criminal justice fields of study and which was named for the late Bridgeport Police Lt. James Hotsinpiller and his son U.S. Deputy Marshal Derek Hotsinpiller. Derek Hotsinpiller was fatally shot in 2012 while serving a warrant. Jim Hotsinpiller died in 2001 during his tenure as a lieutenant with the Bridgeport Police Department. Son Dustin was also a member of Bridgeport Police Department before becoming a Deputy U.S. Marshal. Thus, Bridgeport PD had several ties to the Hotsinpillers and wanted to help honor their service.

 

“Once the scholarship was established, we wanted as a department to contribute in some way,” said Bridgeport Police Officer Jamie Hamrick. “This was our fundraising idea to help with this scholarship. It does extremely well and we believe in it wholeheartedly.”

 

Pam Hotsinpiller, wife of Lt. James Hotsinpiller and mother of U.S. Deputy Marshal Derek Hotsinpiller, said to date, $51,000 in scholarships have been awarded to 26 area students who have pursued higher education in criminal justice fields. Currently, 13 of those students are still on scholarship.

 

“Some of those students have changed majors or dropped out and, of course, some have graduated,” she said.

 

Four additional students will receive the scholarship for the 2017-2018 school year, Hotsinpiller said.

 

Another major fundraiser for the scholarship is the Annual Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars Memorial 5K, scheduled this year for June 10. (Read about it HERE.)

 

The spaghetti dinner fundraiser offers all Bridgeport law enforcers a chance to contribute and each steps up in his or her own way. Some sell tickets. Others gather donations and several will be on hand at the May 7 dinner to cook, serve, prepare take-out dinners and clean up.

 

“We do all the cooking, get the supplies and take care of everything,” Hamrick said. “We have some other volunteers who pitch in and help us out and area business are always very generous.”

 

Each year, the department sets a goal at pre-selling 500 tickets. Those interested in purchasing tickets this year may do so through any member of the Bridgeport Police Department or by calling the department at 304-842-8260. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children age 10 and under.

 

Spaghetti dinners are available for eat-in or carry-out from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 7. Supporting the dinner is a win-win, Hamrick said.

 

“It’s a Sunday and you don’t have fix dinner or clean up. We’ll take care of that for you,” she said.

 

Walk-ins are also welcome. Annually, several stop in after the conclusion of local church services. 

 

Editor's Note: Pictured top is Bridgeport Police Officer/Prevention Resource Officer Jamie Hamrick. Pictured just above is fallen U.S. Deputy Marshal Derek Hotsinpiller. Read about 2016 Hotsinpiller Scholarship recipients HERE.