‘Coffee with a Cop’ brings law enforcement and community together, one cup at a time

By Haylie Ellison, The News-Review
Original article HERE

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With a warm cup of fresh-brewed coffee in hand, officers from the Oregon State Police and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office met with community members on Wednesday to discuss a wide variety of topics as part of the national Coffee with a Cop day.

In its second year at My Coffee in Roseburg, the annual event aims to bring forth open discussion between law enforcement and community members. Guests walking into the venue were greeted by five uniformed officers.

Heidi Underwood, owner of My Coffee, said she enjoys giving back to men and woman in blue who give so much to the community.

“We love our law enforcement officers,” Underwood said. “They work so hard and they see the worst in our community every single day so we are honored to serve them.”

While pouring creamer into his coffee, Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin spoke to several community members. Many thanked him for his work as a law enforcement officer or asked questions pertaining to concerns with their own neighborhood.

“We want to give people an opportunity to talk to police officers and realize that we are human beings like everyone else and that we are approachable,” he said. “We are trying to break down any barriers that may exist.”

According to its website, Coffee with a Cop hopes to change people’s perception of officers — one cup at a time.

“For some reason that I don’t understand, there is a trend in our country to disparage or be critical of law enforcement and I think that’s really sad,” said Jerry Smart, chaplain and senior pastor of Winston Foursquare Church.

“I think the more opportunity that law enforcement has to interface with the community, the more people will see them as regular people who are doing a really hard job,” Smart said.

Knox Mckelvey, 4, arrived at the event sporting a black uniform with the words “S.W.A.T” on the back in white lettering. As he met the gaze of OSP officer Aaron Baimbridge, his eyes widened with excitement.

“He has always wanted to be a police officer,” Knox’s grandfather, Rick VerSteeg said. After hearing about the event on Facebook, VerSteeg brought his grandson as an educational opportunity.

Baimbridge kneeled down on the concrete outside of My Coffee. As he reached Knox’s eye level, he discussed what it means to be a police officer and how they help out the community.

To Baimbridge, interacting with the public is one of the most rewarding aspects of his job.

“I really enjoy getting out and interacting with people,” he said.

Baimbridge added that he hopes these events make people more aware that law enforcement are approachable and open for discussion.

“We are all on the same team,” he said.