ROCKLAND — On Oct. 3, Rockport Police Chief Bruce Boucher and Deputy Chief Chris Young sent a thank-you letter to Side Country Sports owners Andrew Dailey and Brian Kelly. They noted in their letter that Side Country Sports demonstrated strong community generosity and spirit following two recent incidents.

The letter follows:

Andrew and Brian,

It was recently brought to my attention on two different occasions over the past few months you and your staff has demonstrated what it really means to be a partner within your community.

The first example I would like to recognize was the willingness to repair a bicycle that belonged to a child who lives in Rockland and had it stolen. The bicycle was recovered but sustained significant damage rendering it unusable. Upon hearing about the incident, the bike was brought to Side Country Sports. Your staff repaired the bike free of charge which allowed a young boy the opportunity to enjoy his bike for the remainder of the summer. This is an opportunity the boy may never have enjoyed if it wasn't for your generosity and willingness to give back to the community.

The second example I would like to recognize involves the theft of a bicycle from the back of a pickup truck on Main St. Officers investigating this incident came into the store to make staff aware of the incident and request a call if anyone came into the store with the stolen bike. A few days following the incident a subject did in fact come into the store with the bike in question. Staff immediately alerted police and we were able to respond, seize the stolen bike and identify the person responsible for the theft.

It is these types of examples of community partnership that not only reflect favorably on Side Country Sports, but also exemplifies the spirit of compassion for our community members and cooperation with the police department that Rockland Police Department strives to achieve. On behalf of the officers of the Rockland Police Department, please accept the department's challenge coins as recognition for a job well done. Thank you for your partnership and keep up the good work!

Bruce Boucher, Rockland Chief of Police

Christopher J. Young, Rockland Deputy Chief of Police