NEWBURGH - The next special County-wide Gun Buyback program, "Save a Life," which allows people to turn in weapons without fear of charges, has been so successful in the City of Newburgh that an additional gun buy-back day has been scheduled for Saturday, March 16, 2013, at Street Rock Ministries, 60 Dubois Street, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., courtesy of Pastor Nelson Polanco and the Greater Newburgh Partnership.
The Greater Newburgh Partnership has funded the cost of police resources for the gun buyback events to ensure that this effort is being conducted at no cost to the City. To date, City of Newburgh Police have recovered 88 guns.
Participants are rewarded with Shop-Rite gift cards in amounts varying from $25 for an inoperable weapon, $100 for a working handgun, $50 dollars for a shotgun or rifle to $150 for an assault rifle.
In addition to the Greater Newburgh Partnership, the "Save a Life" gun buyback program is sponsored locally by Shop-Rite, County Executive Edward Diana, Sheriff Carl Dubois, District Attorney Frank Phillips, the City of Newburgh, the City of Newburgh Police Department, Senator Bill Larkin, Assemblyman Frank Skartados, Newburgh Community Action Committee (NCAC), Rev. Jesse Howard, Chaplain Crisis Response Ministries, Bishop Jeffrey Woody and Pastor Nelson Polanco.
Councilman Curlie Dillard, who coordinated the City’s program commented, "We are extremely pleased with the response to the Gun Buyback effort, and very grateful to Shop-Rite, our County and State officials, our Police Department, and everyone who made it possible. I would especially like to thank Jade Greene, NCAC, Bishop Woody and Pastor Polanco for providing the locations for the events, and the Greater Newburgh Partnership for funding the costs of the police."
"Save a Life" will run through March 18, 2013, and in addition to the special drop-off events, guns may be turned into the City of Newburgh Police Department at the front desk. Or, you may call Lt. Pete Leach at (845) 569-7532 to arrange for pickup.
