Stroud Area Regional Police connect with community

By Brian Myszkowski, Pocono Record
Original article HERE

If you happened to swing by the McDonald’s on Main St. in Stroudsburg on Wednesday morning, you might have been surprised to get your McMuffin and coffee from one of the boys in blue.

There was no need to worry though, as the Stroud Area Regional Police weren’t responding to a call, rather, they were there to meet and greet the public they serve.

Oct. 3 marked National Coffee with a Cop Day, a chance for officers to connect with citizens in a more relaxed environment, and the Stroud Area team – featuring Sgt. Tom Lemond, Sgt. James Weiglus, Officer Jerome Taylor and Captain Paul Gasper – was happy to participate in the event.

“We’re here helping the people, serving them and meeting everybody,” Sgt. Lemond said.

“It’s had a great effect. The people I meet in the drive-thru, they’re shocked. Everything’s always positive though, and they’re always upbeat. I think it’s a great thing for our community.”

ame to the event with members of Developmental Education Services, was even able to convince Sgt. Lemond to handcuff her. Of course, Lemond couldn’t do that unless she committed a crime, so she provided a little inventive reasoning.

“I told him I stole a coffee,” Stokes said with a laugh.

And yes, the crew at McDonald’s did put the cops to work. When they weren’t fielding questions from the public and enjoying a cup of joe, they were manning the drive-thru and doling out orders.

“Everybody enjoys it,” franchise owner/operator Donna Zlocki said. “It’s a different atmosphere, it’s fun, and they see what’s it about on the other side of the counter.”

Fortunately, Officer Taylor had a bit of experience in fast food, having worked at a McDonald’s in Tampa Bay, Florida during his high school years.

“It’s like riding a bicycle. You get back into the groove of it. It’s not my day job, but it’s fun,” Taylor said.

Creating a trusting bond through non-professional interaction certainly built a strong connection between the force and the community. Of course, the officers also the relished the opportunity to surprise McDonald’s patrons with their presence.

“They come in and see the uniform, and they’re like, ‘What’s going on? Why are the police here?’
Taylor said.

“But then, when you give them their food, tell them what you’re here for, tell them that it’s for service, they appreciate you and give you a nice, warm smiles themselves.”