Featuring spaghetti and meatballs, salad, drinks and dessert, the dinner is an opportunity to raise money for the scholarship which helps area young people pursue careers in law enforcement fields and honors the late James Hotsinpiller and his son, Derek Hotsinpiller. A U.S. Deputy Marshal, 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 former member of the department. He now serves as a Deputy U.S. Marshal.

 

Under the direction of Lt. Brian Purkey, local law enforcers traded in their uniforms for aprons last May to host the inaugural spaghetti dinner and it all turned out quite well, said Deputy Police Chief Randy Hartley.

“It went great. We raised just shy of $4,000 for the scholarships,” Hartley said. “Lt. Purkey had organized spaghetti dinners for various organizations, but this was the first time we had done it.”

 

The event came about because members of the police department wanted to make an annual contribution to the scholarship fund, Hartley said. After a successful inaugural event, the department checked with Pam Hotsinpiller, mother of Derek and wife of Jim, to ask if they could do it again.

 

“As always, Pam said that we didn’t have to do anything, but we really want to do something as a department to honor Derek’s memory,” Hartley said.

 

Last year, the PD ended up serving more than planned.

 

“We actually had to make a few store runs and buy more supplies – which is a good thing,” Hartley said.  “We’ve planned a little better this year, but hopefully we’ll have to make store runs again.”

In addition to those who pre-purchase tickets, the department gladly accepts walk-ins. Last year, several stopped in after area church services.

 

The May 15 dinner will be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for kids age 10 and under. Each meal includes spaghetti, salad, drink and dessert.

 

Hartley and the department thanks all residents and businesses who have served as sponsors or helped in any way.

 

“One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the foundation and the scholarship. We want to raise as much as we can to support this good cause,” he said.