Coffee with a Cop brings city leaders, residents together

By Derrick Mason, Journal Standard
Original article HERE

City residents on Wednesday had an opportunity to meet face-to-face with their government leaders.

About 10 people stopped by the Boys & Girls Club of Freeport and Stephenson County for Coffee with a Cop, a national event that brings police officers and the public together. Freeport Police Chief Todd Barkalow was joined at the club by Mayor Jodi Miller and City Manager Lowell Crow.

Residents expressed concerns about street conditions, blighted areas and even animals. Willie Graham, a Freeport resident, met with Barkalow to discuss stricter laws for dogs because his daughter was bitten several times by a pit bull earlier this year.

“When I heard about this, I wanted to make sure I got over here because I wanted him to hear the story from her,” Graham said.

Graham said it would be good for the community if local leaders organized more events that generate public feedback.

Barkalow agreed, noting that he’s open to hosting more meetings throughout town if there is enough demand for them. He said he would encourage more police officers to attend if more events are planned.

“Any time you can just listen to the community is nice,” Barkalow said. “There’s a difference between this and a neighborhood watch where usually we have an agenda and things to talk about. Here, we just have things to listen to.”

Larry Pittsley attended the event and said any time public officials get together with the people they represent, it has a positive effect on the community. Residents can learn what projects are in the works, but more importantly, get to know their government leaders as people, he said.

“I think humanizing people is kind of a big thing, and we see all the stereotypes and stuff on TV and the other types of media,” Pittsley said. “You get to really meet with people and talk to them and see they’re just like we are and are part of our community.”