Cops and cones: River Grove police, McDonald’s team up for community event

By Maryann Pisano, Pioneer Press
Original article HERE

McDonald's conesEight police officers from River Grove spent some time handing out free ice cream cones to kids on Sept. 17 at McDonald’s at the first Cone with a Cop event in the village.

Police talked with participants in an effort to meet community members.

Julie Travers, a McDonald’s community relations director, said police used to do a Coffee with a Cop event, but that attracted an older crowd.

“The officers want to break down the barriers with all different ages from seniors to children,” she said. “We thought we would try Cone with a Cop. It’s been working really well.”

“We jumped on the opportunity to participate in Cone with a Cop,” River Grove Police Chief Rodger Loni said.

Travers said children had a “blast” meeting the police officers. The officers also passed out stickers.

“We’re glad the community is coming out and showing their support and having ice cream with us,” Officer Joe Contorno said.

“It’s great to give back to the community on this unusually hot September day and serving treats to everybody,” added Detective Rudy Krall.

Lora Lantgen brought her two sons, Chase, 4, and Caleb, 3, to Cone with a Cop. She noted that her husband is a firefighter, and she wants to teach her sons that first responders are good people.

“We want to establish that in their lives,” she said. “The police, firefighters and paramedics are there to help.”

Lantgen added, “everybody also loves ice cream!”

Margaret Gabryel heard about Cone with a Cop on social media. Gabryel and her husband, Michael, took their kids, Adam, 13 months, and Natalia, 9.

“We had a situation at our home over the weekend, and the police showed up quickly,” Gabryel said.

“I love ice cream,” Natalia Gabryel said.

Loni said he hopes to establish a good relationship with kids in the neighborhood. He said he wants young children to feel safe when they see an officer and if there is an emergency.

“We want our children to not fear the police,” he said. “I think this is a great thing for our community.”

Travers said McDonald’s is hoping to have another event during the winter months called Cocoa with a Cop.

“We want to the community to come out and interact with the cops,” she said.