More than 200 people filled the Maricopa Library and Cultural Center yesterday evening to chat with local cops — and indulge in free ice cream.
Smiles were plentiful at Maricopa Police Department’s Cops and Cones event as police volunteers scooped frozen treats for kids and adults alike.
About two dozen Maricopa police officers and recruits showed face at the event, according to Monica Williams, the department’s spokesperson.
Glennwilde residents Luis and Monica Tachiquin brought their two kids. One of them blended right in with Maricopa’s finest.
Dressed in full police garb, 3-year-old Bryce Tachiquin donned his Halloween costume a couple of months early.
“He wants to be a police officer when he grows up,” said Monica Tachiquin, as he slurped down ice cream with his older sister, 6-year-old Skylar Tachiquin.
Police Chief Mark Goodman didn’t pass up the event and made his rounds speaking with all who attended.
Goodman said community engagement events are important, whether it is a town hall format like Coffee with Cops or a sit-and-talk affair like this one.
“It allows our community members to see our police officers in a light where they can be viewed as people, and relatable and approachable, which is exactly what I want,” Goodman said.
Ice cream may a ticket to building rapport between law enforcement and children, Maricopa Police Officer Adam Abel explained.
“Last time it was Coffee with Cops, and you can’t give coffee to kids,” he said.
Maricopa’s Water & Ice sponsored the event and donated four tubs of ice cream.
