GREENVILLE – Greenville Police Chief Ryan Benge and his officers are always searching for ways to interact with the public in a positive fashion.
Since Chief Benge took the position as police chief two years ago this month, his goal has been to get back to ‘community policing’, where the department can carry on face-to-face talks with members of the community.
Over the past two years, the police department has developed several events around town, including Coffee with a Cop, hosted by downtown business A & B Coffee; Shop with a Cop, hosted by Walmart on Wagner Avenue; participating in the Elks’ annual family day; and several other events around Greenville.
Most recently, Jason Blackburn and his wife Jenni, owners of Creme de la Creme on Broadway, reached out to GPD with the idea of having Cones with a Cop. The idea was that families could come with their children, enjoy some delicious ice cream, and meet police officers – and visit with them. So that idea came to fruition this past Thursday night, as the Blackburns offered Cones with Cops from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at their ice cream shop in the 300 block of South Broadway.
The weather was perfect, and the event was a huge success. Almost 200 people attended throughout the night. The Blackburns, in support of the community, donated over 75 ice cream cones to all of the children who came.
The police department had several games set up where the kids could win prizes, interact with the officers, and even sit in the front of a police cruiser.
Chief Benge & the officers were glad for such a big turnout from the community. They are hoping to make this an annual event, adding another fun thing for the community to enjoy while interacting with officers in a relaxed environment.
