Coffee with a Cop: casual, cheerful, captivating

By Averil Gleason, Fort Bend Herald
Original article HERE

Coffee with a cop or four

When Rosenberg Police Chief Dallis Warren introduced himself to residents at Another Time Soda Fountain on Thursday, he told them his family had lived in the area for 400 years.

That’s about the same time the Pilgrams landed at Plymouth Rock.

Warren, quickly realizing his mistake, corrected himself.

“I meant to say, four generations,” he told those gathered at the Coffee with Cops event.

Warren’s error brought laughter, but proved that cops were human, too.

And that’s one of the reasons Coffee with Cops was held.

“Police officers are more than a badge,” Officer Mike Bradley said. “Police officers are people, too.”

Bradley said he approached Another Time Soda Fountain owner Renee Butler about holding the Coffee with a Cop event at her restaurant.

“This is an amazing turnout,” Butler said, looking at the 40 police officers and Rosenberg residents in attendance. “Downtown is kind of unique in its own way. We rely on each other for help.”

Butler explained that Coffee with a Cop

“You know, I look at all these people here, getting to know the local police officers, and all I can say is, it feels good to be an American.”

Another Time Soda Fountain was filled with chatter and cheerfulness. “This humanizes us,” Lt. Chad Pino said. “We are breaking through that buffer.”

Assistant Police Chief Tracie Dunn was handing out “no soliciting” cards for business people to put in their front windows.

Occie Ware, who has lived in Rosenberg since 1948, said her friend called on Thursday morning to tell her about the Coffee with a Cop event.

“I was just making breakfast when I heard this was happening,” Ware said. “I got out of my house so quick to come down to Another Time. I like to know what’s going on and this is the way to get informed.

“One thing I’ve always loved about the police department is that they are always there for you and respond so quickly. It’s always been that way and I’m sure it always will be.”

After 45 minutes of police officers and Rosenberg residents getting to know each other, Bradley stood at the bar to address the gathering.

“I’m interested in the city not just because I’m a police officer, but because I’m a member of the community too,” Bradley said.

“I’m there for you. Anything from the barking dog next door to the crack house down the street. Call me. And I’ll be there.”

Soon after, Dunn introduced the public to the new community relations officers in attendance: Jazz Roberts, District 1; and Katrina Bubb, District 4.

Other people in attendance included Kimberley Cleland and her daughter Kelsey, Mayor Cynthia McConathy, council member Alice Jozwiak, Mike Mercado, Gabby Snider, Norberta Flores, Dwight Williams and Linda Drummond.