Wishkah Street Starbucks packed for Coffee with a Cop

By Dan Hammock • October 9, 2019 1:30 am
Photos by DAN HAMMOCK | GRAYS HARBOR NEWS GROUP The espresso shot challenge proved more challenging than the participants expected. From left are Aberdeen Police Officers Cody Blodgett and George Kelly, Aberdeen Mayor Erik Larson, and Starbucks Manager Jaclyn Meeks. Kelly downed his the fastest. At right is Police Sgt. Darrin King, who emceed the event.
Photos by DAN HAMMOCK | GRAYS HARBOR NEWS GROUP The espresso shot challenge proved more challenging than the participants expected. From left are Aberdeen Police Officers Cody Blodgett and George Kelly, Aberdeen Mayor Erik Larson, and Starbucks Manager Jaclyn Meeks. Kelly downed his the fastest. At right is Police Sgt. Darrin King, who emceed the event.

The Aberdeen Starbucks was packed Oct. 2 for the Aberdeen Police Department’s first Coffee with a Cop event.

The joint effort between the department and Starbucks was meant to provide the community a chance to meet with local law enforcement officers in a casual setting — an opportunity to get to know officers face-to-face outside the crisis situations where such interaction most often occurs.

Police officers volunteered as baristas and cashiers and worked the drive-through window. Lots of kids were there, some coloring pictures and getting fingerprinted, others enjoying the police vehicles parked outside.

There was a silent auction with baskets donated by Starbucks, with proceeds benefiting the Aberdeen Police Officers Guild.

Entertainment was provided by Officer Jackie Mitchell, who played guitar and sang his original songs. Some competitions also were staged among the officers, Aberdeen Mayor Erik Larson and Starbucks management, including espresso shot-drinking and a latte-making.

Cole Streeter, right, gave a crash course in latte-making at the Aberdeen Coffee with a Cop event. From left are Officer George Kelly, Lt. Dale Green, Aberdeen Mayor Erik Larson and Officer Gary Sexton.

Cole Streeter, right, gave a crash course in latte-making at the Aberdeen Coffee with a Cop event. From left are Officer George Kelly, Lt. Dale Green, Aberdeen Mayor Erik Larson and Officer Gary Sexton.

Starbucks donated several baskets for a silent auction to benefit the Aberdeen Police Officers Guild. Manning the table were Officer Brandi Zieber and records specialist Mandi Stump.

Starbucks donated several baskets for a silent auction to benefit the Aberdeen Police Officers Guild. Manning the table were Officer Brandi Zieber and records specialist Mandi Stump.

The Aberdeen Starbucks was packed Oct. 2 for the Aberdeen Police Department Coffee with a Cop event. At left is a table of kids coloring pictures while they are fingerprinted. At right, officers and Aberdeen Mayor Erik Larson participate in a latte-making contest.

The Aberdeen Starbucks was packed Oct. 2 for the Aberdeen Police Department Coffee with a Cop event. At left is a table of kids coloring pictures while they are fingerprinted. At right, officers and Aberdeen Mayor Erik Larson participate in a latte-making contest.

Aberdeen Police Officer Gary Sexton, center, is flanked by Starbucks employees Zach Grebenc and Holly Bergeson as he mans the register at the Wishkah Street Starbucks during the Coffee with a Cop event.

Aberdeen Police Officer Gary Sexton, center, is flanked by Starbucks employees Zach Grebenc and Holly Bergeson as he mans the register at the Wishkah Street Starbucks during the Coffee with a Cop event.

Aberdeen Police Officer Jackie Mitchell played two sets during the “music by a cop” portion of the Oct. 2 event at the Wishkah Street Starbucks.

Aberdeen Police Officer Jackie Mitchell played two sets during the “music by a cop” portion of the Oct. 2 event at the Wishkah Street Starbucks.