PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Unforeseen circumstances didn’t deter Presque Isle Police Chief Laurie Kelly from sharing coffee with residents Tuesday morning.
Kelly arrived at Tim Hortons on Oct. 4 for Coffee With a Cop Day. She and patrons found the lobby closed due to staffing issues, so she greeted residents from her cruiser.
Coffee With a Cop started in California in 2011 as a way to promote connections between people and local police departments, and is traditionally held the first Wednesday in October. It’s valuable because it gives both police and residents a chance to interact and share ideas in a familiar, relaxed setting, according to National Today.
“We generally do this every year,” Kelly said. “It’s a nice way to spend time with people and hear what’s on their minds.”
The local department has shared in the event for about nine years.
Presque Isle City Council Chairperson Kevin Freeman and resident Scot Robinson were among those who stopped by to have coffee with Kelly.
“It’s not every day you can talk to a cop very casually like this,” Robinson said.
The Washburn Police Department also took part, hosting their second Coffee With a Copy Day on Oct. 5 at Washburn Trail Side.
