By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
Del Rioans had the chance to meet informally with members of the Del Rio Police Department during the DRPD’s “Coffee with a Cop” event.
“Coffee with a Cop” was held on the morning of June 30 at Momo’s Coffee, 217 S. Main St., and gave area residents the chance to ask questions and to discuss issues with DRPD Chief Frank Ramirez, members of his command staff, including Capt. Robert Guzman and Capt. Rick Roman, and some of the men and women who serve in the department.
The 830 Times attended and asked Ramirez why the event was important for him and the department.
“Any event that allows us to visit with community members so they can put a face to who’s driving by is important because it creates a connection,” Ramirez said.
Several dozen citizens attended the event and spoke with Ramirez and members of his staff while enjoying Momo’s freshly-brewed coffees, specialty teas and pastries.
Mayor Pro-tem Steve Webb, himself a former DRPD officer, attended with his wife, School Board Trustee Linda Guanajuato-Webb. Councilwoman Ernestina “Tina” Martinez also joined the chief for coffee and conversation.
“If people have anything to speak to us about, we want to hear about it, but the biggest part of this event is meeting the community, so we get to know who they are, and they get to know who we are. That way, I think, they will get to feel more comfortable with us,” Ramirez said.
“Most of the time, when police officers make contact with citizens, it’s usually something that’s stressful or problematic. An event like this gives us an opportunity to interact on a social, relaxed level, a gathering where we can just talk and exchange ideas. It allows people to let us know what some of their concerns are, and they can listen to what some of our concerns are,” the chief added.
Ramirez said he would like to host gatherings like “Coffee with a Cop” two or three times a year, as well as other events to coincide with holidays like Easter and Christmas.
“I’d like to thank Momo’s Coffee for helping us out in hosting this event. We had a great turnout, and I want to thank everyone who dropped by. We’re hoping to have some more events like this in the near future,” Ramirez said.
—
Contact the author at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com
