A member of the Dawson County Sheriff's Office speaks with a member of the public during the 'Coffee with a Cop' event, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
LEXINGTON — When one’s only interaction with law enforcement might come during a traffic stop, it can be hard to see past the badge, but the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office was seeking to change that through their ‘Coffee with Cop’ event on Wednesday, July 10.
Sheriff Mark Montgomery said that this was the first year they were holding this type of event and doing it in conjunction with the Lexington Police Department.
Montgomery praised the relationship between the sheriff’s office and the LPD and the other area agencies, saying they have a good working relationship.
Attendees could come over to the parking lot north of the sheriff’s office and enjoy a cup of coffee or hydration drink and chat with law enforcement officials, deputies and officers.
The event was a chance for residents to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know their local law enforcement members, Montgomery said.
It was a chance for people to see that law enforcement members are citizens too and see them in an informal setting.
There was both a K9 unit and a drone demonstration held so the public could see the different tools and tactics the sheriff’s office uses in the field.
Montgomery thanked sheriff’s office chaplain Al Copper, Vanessa Olmos and Tanya Pop for their work in helping to get the event put together.
He also thanked Fluid Power Fusions who was able to be the hydration beverage provider after Drink Eazy had to withdraw due to hail damage that happened to their trailer in Cozad. Montgomery thanked Drink Eazy for their original commitment to the event.
When asked about the initial turnout, Montgomery said aside from members of the public, there had also been local officials, county commissioners and other elected office holders who came to the event.
Montgomery said they plan to host similar events in other Dawson County communities.
In closing, Montgomery said local law enforcement is, “so appreciative” of working in county and communities that support them. He said they haven’t had to face the challenges seen in larger cities and urban areas.
The sponsors that helped make the event possible include Fluid Power Fusions, HOMES, Calvary Assembly Church, Ace Rent to Own, MRK Trucking, Heartland Chevrolet and Buick, Orthman Community YMCA, Plum Creek Medical Group, Lexington Family Eyecare and Great Plains Chiropractic.
