Patrol Capt. John Zotollo and Detective Capt. Vincent Laurentino were in line in front of the woman at the Market Street shop around 10 a.m."Let me buy your coffee," she said.
"They politely demurred," Police Chief Robert Kugler told Daily Voice.
"When she wasn't looking, Zotollo paid for their coffee and left money to cover hers," the chief said. "Then they smiled and said goodbye."
Both were gone when the woman reached the counter and discovered what had happened.
A short time later, Kugler said, a call came in to the police desk on the non-emergency line.
It was her.
A dispatcher -- not knowing Zotollo had been the one to pay -- forwarded the recorded message to him.
"I was just in a puddle of tears," the woman said, "so I just wanted to tell you how wonderful you people are, that we really appreciate everything you do.
"I was going to give him a hug, but I'll have you do that for me."
CLICK HERE to listen to the complete call: https://soundcloud.com/user-844162544/dunkin-donuts-092916-1130-hrs/s-beudZ
Click here to follow Daily Voice Saddle Brook-Elmwood Park and receive free news updates.