Police connect with community on gun safety

By Jodi Streahle, The Daily Journal
Original article HERE

Law-enforcement departments from across the county gathered Saturday at Cumberland Mall for Coffee with a Cop to talk about gun safety and kick off Violence Awareness Month.

The event was organized by the Cumberland County Positive Youth Development Coalition and included representatives from the Vineland Police Department, Bridgeton Police Department, Millville Police Department, the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office and Cumberland County Healthy Communities Coalition.

“It’s unique today because we are all here,” said Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae. “I’m proud of the police chiefs who made a strong commitment towards interacting with the community.”

Police officers who attended the event agreed.

“People get to know us as a person and not just the uniform or the car,” said Sgt. J. Roman of Bridgeton Police Department, who also pointed out the importance of engaging youth in positive activities to help them avoid violence.

Last year, the CCPYDC successfully worked to have June declared as Gun Safety and Violence Awareness Month in most of the county’s municipalities as well as by county government.

Visitors at Cumberland County Coffee with a Cop learned about gun safety, the dangers of driving under the influence, bike safety and more while enjoying free cups of coffee.

“Keep your guns locked and away from your children,” urged Officer Stephen Runkle of the Vineland Police Department. “Always ensure that the weapons have a gun lock or trigger lock and that they are stored in a safe … We want to make sure that children know the importance that if you see a gun on the ground, stay away from it. Back away and call the police and a parent.”

Departments handed out informative pamphlets, free educational coloring books and gun locks. Participating agencies said visitors were eager to receive the information and that most questions involved pursuing careers in law enforcement.

“It’s an opportunity for the community to see all the agencies out here, everybody working together,” said Runkle. “We are here to have a good time, make some friends, and give some very good information to people.”

The Millville Police Department fitted children with free bicycle helmets and educated parents and riders about proper helmet use. Officers said it didn’t take long for the children to engage in conversation with the officers once they saw the helmets.

Amelia Triantos, 8, of Vineland got a free helmet.

“She was thrilled,” said her mom, Lynne Triantos. They enjoyed the event because of the opportunity to talk with the police officers and learn some new safety tips.

The Cumberland County Healthy Communities Coalition offered a host of information including tasty non-alcoholic drink recipes for parents to make during youth parties.

They also invited visitors to try a beanbag toss while wearing Fatal Vision Goggles to demonstrate the level of impairment caused by alcohol.

Children were encouraged to take the following Gun Safety Pledge: “Guns can hurt or kill me, my friends and my family. I will not touch a gun if I see one. I will remember that any gun I see may be loaded. I know how important it is to be safe.”