NORWICH – The Norwich Police Benevolent Association will kick-off its annual fundraiser in the coming months, a campaign that recently re-elected president and vice president – officers Reuben Roach and Gard Turner – called vital to the community.

The Norwich PBA – as part of the Police Conference of New York – supports a number of local charities, functions and youth programs every year, according to Roach, who is now serving his second term as PBA president.

The fundraiser, he added, “gives us a chance to give back to the community,” supporting charitable causes and events such as the association’s yearly scholarship – awarded to an Norwich High School senior for academic excellence – local high school proms, the American Cancer Society, the city’s annual Pumpkin Festival and more. And while an official total for last year’s campaign wasn’t available, Roach said the PBA typically donates thousands of dollars throughout the community.