Casey Barrett, President and CEO of Texas Bank, said, “First responders, they’re just so important to San Angelo. They’re the unsung heroes that go out and risk their lives for us. They put it all on the line and they don’t get any recognition. We just expect it from them, so it’s good to have an event where we can come and celebrate them, and talk to them and see them when they’re in their normal setting. They’re normal everyday men and women. It’s good to just get to be able to talk to them and see what issues they have and ways that we can help them. Maybe our business can help them in what they do in their daily lives and they can help us as well.”
“If they have a question about police procedure of policy the time to learn about that is at events like these. Not when red lights come on behind you on the highway or there’s a knock at your door and there is a uniformed police officer there. Those tend to be intimidating and confrontational. This is a very friendly interactive environment,” said Moss.
Another great Coffee with a Cop event was held today at the Round Table Coffee shop, Gawain Road, Bracken Ridge. There was plenty of take up for free coffee on offer thanks to the Officer in Charge of Sandgate Police Station, Senior Sergeant Jon Kent.
Several San Angelo Police officers joined Chief Frank Carter Thursday morning for Coffee with a Cop at the Cactus Hotel. The regular event is a chance for members of the public to meet and visit with police officers.
Chris Cognac is a sergeant with the Hawthorne Police Department in Southern California. He was part of the team that created “Coffee with a Cop” in 2011 and is the main national instructor for the Coffee with a Cop training class. A true believer in the ability of individual officers making a difference in the communities they serve, in this video, Chris talks about how he used his networking and communication skills as a force multiplier.
Looking to the future, Chief Scalia is excited to host more public engagement events like Coffee with a Cop. “I think we’ll do this again. We got a big turn out, it’s laid back and everyone is enjoying themselves.” In addition to conversations with residents, the department also provided free coloring books for kids, stickers, and gun locks.
Sitting at a large round table in the back of the restaurant, Childress told those who came out for the event that she has a desire to change the way the community perceives the police department. She wants residents to look forward to meeting and talking with police officers, so that it is a positive experience for both. “We welcome any comments, any suggestions, anything that you all think will make our community better. We want to hear it,” she said.
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