‘Coffee With a Cop’ Event Draws a Crowd in Moundsville

A Marshall County “Coffee with a Cop” event was held at the Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex and Greater Moundsville Convention and Visitors Bureau from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, in accordance with the national event.

Coffee With a Cop was launched in Hawthorne, Calif., in 2011 when members of that city’s police department were looking for ways to interact more successfully with the residents. In less than five years, similar events have been hosted in all 50 states.

During the event, law enforcement officers from Moundsville, McMechen, Glen Dale and the sheriff’s department enjoyed coffee, cookies and muffins while exploring the museum with representatives from the Marshall County Commission, the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce, Cockayne Farmstead, Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex and more. Members of the public were also welcome to attend.

Jeremy Kohus, site manager for Grave Creek Mound, said the museum supports and encourages strong relationships with law enforcement.

“It’s important for us to keep our ties in the community,” Kohus said. “We’d like to continue it every year.”

Glen Dale Police Chief Ed Vogler said community events help police battle negative perceptions about law enforcement.

“It’s always good for law enforcement to interact with citizens of their community,” Vogler said. “In today’s society, law enforcement is always getting a bad rap, so it’s good to let people know that police officers are human, too.”

Sgt. Chelsea Morris of the McMechen Police Department attended the event with Police Chief August Bankey.

“It makes communications a lot better and easier if we’re all in tune,” Morris said. “This helps us and the residents alike know what’s going on.”