Baldwinsville PD names Rosie Snowdon honorary officer

By Ashley M. Casey

Associate Editor

The Baldwinsville Police Department swore a very special officer last week. Rosalie “Rosie” Snowdon, 3, became an honorary member of the BPD on Nov. 25, just before heading back to Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital to continue treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer.

According to Rosie’s mother, Arianna Leonard, Rosie often talks of wanting to be a “‘wice officer” when she grows up. Leonard reached out to Sue Bertrand of Maureen’s Hope Foundation, a Baldwinsville nonprofit that supports individuals and families affected by cancer or other life-altering diagnoses. She wanted to know if Rosie could meet a police officer.

Within 24 hours of Bertrand contacting the BPD, Chief Mike Lefancheck and his officers sprang into action. They ordered Officer Rosie her very own uniform and car, complete with BPD decals and a siren. BPD Communications Officer Lou Ann St. Germain’s mother sewed the patches onto Rosie’s tiny uniform.

Lefancheck said Rosie will be “stationed” at Golisano.

“It really means everything to me,” Lefancheck said of honoring Rosie. “It’s incredibly fulfilling. It’s heartwarming. It makes you feel good to be involved in this type of profession and work in a place like we do.”

Officers, village officials, Rosie’s family and the media packed into the village hall last Monday for Rosie’s swearing-in.

“I feel like what we’re giving her is such a sweet and happy memory. Memories, no one can take away from you,” Bertrand said. “Knowing she can have the support of her community, there’s strength in numbers.”

Rosie was first diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma in the summer of 2018. After undergoing surgery and 273 days of chemotherapy, Rosie rang the bell at Golisano to signify the end of her treatment. Unfortunately, her cancer returned at the end of this summer. She is undergoing more chemo and is set to start radiation treatment soon.

“Rosie is a very spunky, feisty, 3-year-old,” Leonard said of her daughter. “She’s been a trooper.”

Leonard said Rosie’s treatment has been grueling, and the celebration brought back a glimpse of her spunky little girl.

“Days like this when you really get to see what she’s like, it’s really amazing,” Leonard said.

Officer Rosie grinned, her teeth tinted with black frosting from the giant brownie she munched on. She said she was excited to drive her police car.

The police department also presented Rosie with a signed fleece blanket and a poster board with a photo of her dressed in her uniform. One of the officers wrote, “Honored to be your sister in blue.”

“It’s definitely an inspiration watching her bring strength and knowing she wants to be a police officer like us,” said Officer Jenna Quattrini. “We’re happy to have her.”

To contribute to Rosie’s family during her second bout with cancer, visit gofundme.com/f/rosies-relapse.