More Than 150 Cups Handed Out at Fairfield Coffee with a Cop

By Gail Bottone, TapInto.Net
Original article HERE

IMG_0144 (1).jpgThe Fairfield Township Police Department provided more than 150 cups of coffee at Fairfield’s Manhattan Bagel for its third annual National Coffee with a Cop event, held on the first Wednesday in October each year.

“The event was very well attended, and the police officers were very friendly, courteous and sociable,” said Phil Oddo, a long-time Fairfield resident.

Sgt. Christopher Niemiec explained that the police officers were asked a variety of questions, such as how one becomes a police officer and how many police officers work at the Fairfield Police Department.

“Some people talked about their positive interactions with the Fairfield Police Department, how we made a difference in their lives, and also they wanted to thank us for all we do,” said Niemiec.

“Many grandparents came to the event with their grandchildren,” said Officer Stacy Chiarolanza, adding that the children were given balloons and stickers. “We had a very nice turn out, and it was great for community relations.”

Marigene Kowalski, who brought her 2-year-old grandson, Nicholas Molesan, said Coffee with a Cop is “a great community event.

“Nicholas especially enjoyed being able to sit in the driver’s seat of a police cruiser,” she said. “It was great fun all around.”

Community relations is what the event is all about. According to the Coffee with a Cop website, “Taking time to meet at neutral locations provides the opportunity for real conversations about issues that matter.” The event also gives citizens and police officers a chance “to get to know each other and discover mutual goals for the community they live and serve.”

The police department also provided literature about drugs and alcohol abuse as well as information about other resources that are available to area residents.