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Of java and badges
By Samantha Smith, The Michigan City News-Dispatch
Original article HERE
Many city officials gathered at McDonald’s, 2404 Michigan Blvd., for a community outreach event hosted by the Michigan City Police Department on Thursday morning.
Those who attended the event, titled Coffee with a Cop, included members of the Michigan City Area Schools Board, city council representatives, members of the La Porte County Prosecutor’s Office and many more. The point of the event was to give the public the chance to talk to law enforcement in a casual atmosphere. Radio station 95.9-WEFM also broadcasted live from the event.
“It’s great to have so many city officials come out to support La Porte County in a relaxed atmosphere and have a cup of coffee with us to share any concerns they have about what’s going on in the community,” said Michigan City Police Chief Mark Swistek.
“I think we’re a lot more approachable here. We get to hear from the public outside of our cars and our comfort zone,” added La Porte County Sheriff John Boyd.
The police department also collaborated with Sam Lubeznik and his father, Glenn Lubeznik, owners of the 2404 Michigan Blvd. location. Both men have been the owners of this location for seven years and Sam Lubeznik has worked for various McDonald’s locations throughout La Porte County for the past 17 years.
The police department has partnered with the Lubeznik family for many outreach events over the years. This is the first time the Lubeznik family has held this specific event, but they hope to have it return.
“Our relationship with (the MCPD) started professionally, but over the years we have done so many events with them, we’ve gotten to know them personally. It’s our hope that by allowing the community to get to know them like we have gotten to know them, it can make their (the police’s) job a little easier,” Sam Lubeznik said.
Lubeznik also said that it is important for the community to know that in addition to being police officers, they are also everyday people.
“They’re our neighbors, they’re husbands, they’re wives, they’re mothers and fathers. They’re real people with real lives and they have a hard job.”
Chief Swistek said the police force chose this specific location because the surrounding neighborhoods in the area have the highest crime rate in the community right now. He also hopes this event will give the community a better understanding of law enforcement.
“We want this neighborhood to know that we’re committed to the EastPort Neighborhood Association and that we want to change some of the issues that have been going on here in recent years,” he said. “We want them to understand how concerned we are when the community faces difficult issues.”
Among the many city officials was Faye Moore, representative and secretary of the Michigan City NAACP.
“I showed up today to speak to the cops and support their efforts to reach out to the community. I think it’s great,” she said.
The police department will also be hosting other outreach events in May. A police memorial service will take place May 12 at noon at 317 Detroit Street with a luncheon following the ceremony at 1 p.m. A grand opening of the Michigan City Police Department park will take place behind the police station, 1201 E Michigan Blvd., on May 20. The park will include a new playground, a walking track and four new basketball courts. Law enforcement will also be giving away free gifts for people in the community. For more information on upcoming events, go to https://www.facebook.com/MCPD46360/.
