LAKEVILLE — The Lakeville Police do more than protect and serve. They also know their way around a grill.

Department members cooked up burgers Monday, Aug. 22 at the Lakeville Senior Center for a cookout in celebration of Seniors and Law Enforcement Together, also known as SALT. 

The organization unites seniors and public safety departments to offer informational programs and support.

The police presence at the event reminds seniors that “they can count on us, they can call on us. We’re here for them,’’ Police Chief Matthew Perkins said as he flipped burgers with his team. 

“It’s good to give back to the community,’’ Police Capt. Sean Joyce said.

Emiliann Melo, a patrol officer for the department, also serves as its senior liaison, a role she compares to being “like a grandchild’’ to the town’s older community. 

She writes a regular column in the senior newsletter, checks on seniors during snowstorms and other challenging situations and answers questions and concerns.

One issue that often comes up, she said, is whether a piece of mail is legitimate or a scam. 

The Fire Department also plays a vital role in ensuring seniors are healthy and safe, Fire Chief Michael O’Brien.

Seniors are the subject of many department calls, he said, and so firefighters often see their needs first-hand. If a senior has fallen, for example, the department might coordinate with interim Council on Aging Director Lori Fahey to ensure that they have grab bars or other receive needed items or services. 

The Fire Department also hosts a biweekly blood pressure clinic at the senior center. “We keep an eye on our seniors,’’ Deputy Fire Chief Pamela Garant said.

Fahey said the partnership is a strong and important one. “Our local police and fire are quite involved with us,’’ she said.

Jim Larrivee, a 50-year Lakeville resident, has high praise for the town’s public safety personnel. “They’re wonderful, they’re great,’’ he said. 

This is the first such celebration since 2019, prior to Covid, Fahey said. 

The event included a performance by Dan Clark, the Singing Trooper, a 20-year State Police veteran who now performs throughout the country.

The cookout served as a good way to share some time together, Karen MacFarland said.

“It’s nice to get out into the community with things like this,’’ she said. 

State Sen. Michael Rodrigues and representatives from the offices of Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald Jr. and District Attorney Timothy Cruz also attended.