By Tina Pappas

Police in Little Falls invited those who live and work in the community to visit with them during the recent Coffee with a Cop event.

“Coffee with a Cop” is a national program, which brings police officers and community members they serve together and strengthens community ties. It serves as an informal and casual setting for residents and business owners to meet officers, ask questions, discuss issues, break down barriers and get to know one another. The event was held at The Falls Kitchen, located at 90 Main Street on April 6 . 

National Coffee with a Cop Day is usually held on the first Wednesday of October each year. According to Deputy Chief of Police Bryan Prall, he felt it was a good opportunity to hold the event during the month of April being he was recently sworn in to his new position on Dec. 20. 

“It’s about building relationships one cup at a time,” said Prall. “This is typically an initiative that happens across the country in October. I thought it was important to embed myself out in the community and introduce myself, so if people had any questions or any issues and wanted to get to know me better, we can address them. I felt it was definitely a good opportunity to do this.”

Along with Prall was Lt. Robert Prall and Sgt. John Cespedes, and over a dozen members of the Little Falls Police Department at the event. Mayor James Damiano, Council President Anthony Sgobba, Councilman Al Kahwaty, Councilwoman Tanya Seber, Councilman Chris Vancheri and Councilwoman Christine Hablitz also attended the event.

Afterwards, Damiano commented on the event’s purpose. 

“Coffee with a Cop in Little Falls is so much more than just having Coffee with a Cop,” he explained. “The down-to-earth discussions that residents were able to have with the members of the Little Falls Police Department were heartwarming and conversational, strengthening the bond between the Police and members of the community.”

Local resident Maryann Marino, widow of Mario Marino who was a past president of the Little Falls Fire Department, said events like this are a good thing for both residents and police alike.

“It’s a good thing when members of the community and those who serve the community come together,” she said. “It strengthens the bonds and it

helps everybody.”

Photos courtesy of the Township of Little Falls