In its third year, “Coffee with a Cop” brought local police officers and the community members they serve together over coffee to discuss issues and learn more about each other.
Hosted by Stingray Chevrolet, citizens had the opportunity to meet and chat with officers from multiple agencies, including Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Plant City Police Department, and more, and gave members of the public an opportunity to chat with them.
Plant City resident Jaime Watson attended the event with his brother Nick to learn how to pursue a career in law enforcement. The 18-year-old said that he’s dreamt of being a police officer since he was a young child.
“When I was a kid, Plan A was to be an astronaut and Plan B was to be a police officer,” he said.
Attending a police camp in Lakeland last year solidified his plans. It gave him a taste of what a day in the life of an officer is like and it quickly became his Plan A.
Sheriff’s Officer Dan Samuels and PCPD Officer Christi Forget shared information with Watson about how to start the process of becoming an officer and possible career paths in their respective agencies.
Samuels said he hopes to see more community members at future events. “We’re happy to talk to people in this informal and personal setting and answer any questions they have,” he said. “This event gives people a positive encounter with police officers.”
Stingray Chevrolet owner Steve Hurley is happy to support the event. “It’s an opportunity for us to say thank you to local law enforcement and visit with the community,” he said. “We’re blessed to have these great officers protecting and serving our local businesses and community.”