It was a day of Christmas fun and community outreach in Ford City Wednesday night.
Coffee with a Cop was brought back for the second time around at the Gino A. Marcus Community Centre on Drouillard Rd., this time as part of a Christmas mixer and tree lighting ceremony.
Ford City Residents in Action Chair Gillian Beniot says the day was all about Christmas fun.
"We're just coming out, we're having cookies, we're having hot chocolate, singing Christmas Carols, lighting the tree, bringing the community together," says Beniot.
A little carolling action in Ford City. #cklw pic.twitter.com/pbIAZgjApt
— Gord Bacon (@baconAM800) November 29, 2017
It was also a day for Windsor Police Services to mingle with residents, Beniot added.
The life-long-resident of Ford City says people usually only see the police on their worst day — when officers are focused on the task at hand — impartially and professionally.
Benoit tells AM800 News events like Coffee with Cops allow the community to see the Windsor's law enforcement when they don't have their game-faces on.
"Kids love to meet the police officers. It gives them a chance to actually stop and talk when they're not in the midst of anything, that's what they're here for," she says. "I think it humanizes them to the parents. Often times you look at them as authority figures, but when you can stop and talk about your kids over a cup of coffee you really look at them differently."
It’s the second year for Coffee with a Cop in Ford City. Organizers say people usually only see @WindsorPolice when something’s gone wrong, it’s a nice change to be able to sit and chat about the community to start the Hollidays. #cklw pic.twitter.com/dTiB2T7Bp4
— Gord Bacon (@baconAM800) November 29, 2017
Beniot says it's the second Coffee with a Cop event in the neighbourhood, this time at night, at the request of several residents who couldn't make it out to a previous daytime event.
"People on different shifts can come out and get to meet with a police officer and just talk about community events and how they interact with the neighbourhood, how they see Ford City," says Beniot. "Any questions they may have, but also bring their kids out and take selfies, I've seen a lot of selfies tonight."
Beniot — who is also Co-Chair of the Ford City Re-Development Committee — says exciting times are on the way for Ford City with several new businesses already present, and a restaurant on the horizon in the new year.
Little dark but light is on the way in Ford City. @WindsorPolice Coffee with a Cop wraps up with Christmas carols and the lighting of the tree at Gino Marcus Community Complex. #cklw pic.twitter.com/XKBgAPJlPx
— Gord Bacon (@baconAM800) November 29, 2017