U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (second from right) celebrates Paczki Day, March 5, at Dearborn Fire Station 1, 3750 Greenfield Road in Dearborn, with Firefighter I Austin McLellan (left), Capt. Robert Kober, Firefighter III Bryon Pizzini, Battalion Chief David Lambrix and Fire Chief Joseph Murray.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) celebrated Paczki Day, a Polish celebration before the fasting of Lent, by delivering the traditional Polish donuts to friends in Michigan and Washington, D.C.
Dingell’s husband, the late former U.S. Rep. John Dingell, started the tradition of delivering paczki to friends, and Debbie Dingell has continued the tradition since taking office.
“The Dingell family immigrated to the United States from Poland, and Paczki Day is a Polish celebration of Fat Tuesday – the last chance to indulge before the fasting days of Lent,” Dingell said. “Celebrating John’s heritage on Paczki Day with friends each year has been a reminder to the community that our heritage is important. Traditions such as this keep us connected and tie generations together.
“This day means more to me than ever. It is important to me to celebrate John by carry on this tradition with our friends, and to focus on what unites us rather than what divides us.”
U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (third from right) celebrates Paczki Day, March 5, at Dearborn Fire Station 5, 3160 Oakwood Blvd. in Melvindale, with Fire Cadet Margaret MacDonald (left), Firefighter I Scott Atkinson, Firefighter III Jarrod Ormanian, Captain Kenneth Karustis, Firefighter II Shane Ramin and Firefighter I Aaron Sarnovsky.