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Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office holds first coffee with a cop day in Moravia, Fair Haven
By Megan Ehrhart, Auburn Pub
Original article HERE
Just as the weather began to chill with the arrival of fall, the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office invited the community to join staff for a warm cup of coffee.
Although Wednesday was the Third Annual National Coffee with a Cop Day, Cayuga County Sheriff David Gould said this was the first time the office has participated.
In 2016, National Coffee With a Cop Day began as part of National Community Policing Week and now continues each year on the first Wednesday in October as an effort “to bridge the gap between the community and the law,” according to the CWAC website.
“I think it’s a great idea,” Gould said. “I think it’s a great thing to let people ask us questions they wouldn’t otherwise ask,” adding that the friendly, laid-back environment may help.
Gould, who was at a Dunkin’ Donuts coffee shop in Moravia, said some people stopped by to chat briefly but the officers also “reminisced about old times” with other visitors who dropped in to spend the morning with them.
“I’ve been here telling them stories all morning,” said Jim Dann, who introduced himself as an ex-Marine and retired sheriff and prison guard. “I like (coffee with a cop) because they like my stories … (and) they’re all true.”
Dann shared stories about how he “caught a lot of crooks in my day,” as well as stories from working under Former Cayuga County Sheriff Robert Sponable.
“I think events like this are great,” said Tom Collins, who also sat down for doughnuts and coffee with the sheriff’s office.
Collins said one of the reasons he participated was to “show the flag” for the Moravia Rotary Club he’s been a member of for 15 years. Collins, a veteran, explained that “showing the flag” is a military term meaning “I’ve got something to show you … something I’m proud of.”
He said he is proud of the Rotary, and thankful that the sheriff’s office also embodies and demonstrates the club’s motto of “service above self.” As a token of gratitude, he said he gave Custody Officer Kirill Karandeyev a service above self coin Wednesday morning.
“It’s been fun, it’s been good,” Gould said.
As Gould is retiring in three months after serving almost 50 years as a law enforcement officer, he said that his apparent successor Detective Lt. Brian Schenck — who was available for coffee with a cop at the Hardware Cafe in the village of Fair Haven — plans to continue the tradition.
Gould also commented that Dunkin’ Donuts was “tremendous” in its efforts to host the event.
“We’re just always happy to participate in community events,” said Manager Dana Michas. “I was excited when they called me.”
“I think it’s an awesome idea to do this, I really do,” said Dolores Curillo, a Dunkin’ Donuts staff member.
Curillo said people are often afraid to approach an officer and don’t always understand that “they put their lives on the line for us,” but she thinks continuing this effort will make people more comfortable with having conversations with officers.
“Honestly, I think they should do this more often.”
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