Lacy Lakeview police host Coffee with a Cop

By Kristin Hoppa, Waco Tribune-Herald
Original article HERE

Lacy Lakeview police and firefighters visited with community members Saturday morning over hot coffee, kolaches and doughnuts for a joint community effort with first responders.

“Community policing is something that area police departments have latched onto and it’s a great way where we can communicate with the community,” Lacy Lakeview Police Chief John Truehitt said. “The more we know each other, the more people get to understand what we do, how we do it, and it’s safer for us and our community.”

Despite the rainy weather, a small group gathered at the Lacy Lakeview Civic Center at 8 a.m. and shared breakfast with officers. Officers have participated in Coffee with a Cop events for several years, but this was the first time local firefighters have joined the discussion, Truehitt said.

“This one was a little unique, because we invited the fire department to come along with us,” Truehitt said. “It really allows people to approach us in an environment where they wouldn’t necessarily need us (for an emergency).”

Truehitt said the rainy weather may have deterred some residents from stopping by, but the effort was well received.

“If we can talk to just one person, that is good for us,” Truehitt said. “Then we have done our job.”

Officers with the Bellmead Police Department will take part in the city’s first Coffee with a Cop event from 8 to 10 a.m. March 1 at Whataburger, 950 N. Loop 340.