by Chuck Seaver, South Lake Tablet
The Clermont Police Department (CPD) held its bi-monthly Coffee with a Cop, a community relations event, on Wednesday, June 24th at McDonald’s, 4307 South US-27, Clermont. Coffee with a Cop is a program designed to enhance community member relationships with law enforcement officers and the citizens of the communities that they serve. Businesses throughout the area often host the Coffee with a Cop program to exhibit not only support of the community but also support of the local first responders in the community. It also provides a neutral location for real conversations about issues that matter.
Sgt. Erin Razo, the department’s Community Relations Supervisor, was on hand to staff the restaurant drive-thru window and greet morning guests with their favorite meals and a friendly smile. Drive-thru guests were pleasantly surprised to see a uniformed police officer working the window and offering a pleasant gesture to start their day.
Chief John Graczyk welcomed the local regulars who meet every morning at their favorite table for a fun round of humor and the latest “neighborhood happenings” updates. Chief Graczyk provided the latest neighborhood watch area news and public safety programs geared towards the community’s senior residents.
Deputy Chief Michael McMaster announced that the department’s first annual Teen Community Academy is now full. The joint police and fire department four-day academy will provide hands-on learning and interactive demonstrations provided by both agencies. The students will have the opportunity to travel to the Lake County Sheriff’s Communications Center in Tavares and observe behind-the-scenes operations of the unseen first responders – the Communication Officers are the first link to help when someone in need summons emergency assistance.
The CPD will also be hosting “Community Service Hours Opportunity” in July. Teens in grades 9-12 can accrue needed service hours while making a difference in our community. Sgt. Razo states that various tasks will be available for three students each day, either around the station or other safe places that will include adult supervision. The opportunity will be available each Wednesday in June and July, from 9 am – 11 am. The only exception will be July 1st, as there will be no availabilities on this day. Preregistration is required and can be completed by contacting Mary Verrier at mverrier@clermontfl.org.
The CPD will be hosting a “Popsicles with a Cop – Afternoon of Fun” at Waterfront Park, 330 3rdStreet, on July 10th, from 1 pm – 3 pm. The free event, while supplies last, is geared towards friendly conversation and relationship building with the community. Children and seasoned children alike are welcome.
The 2nd Annual “Hoops with Cops” program continues into July. Police Chief John Graczyk implemented the youth program last summer as a trial run with great success. The free event, which began in June, will be held at recreation parks throughout the city from 9 am – 11 am. The free event is open to youth of any age and does not require preregistration. The remaining scheduled locations include Lake Felter Park, 1750 Johns Lake Road – July 9th, Palatlakaha Park, 1250 12th Street – July 23rd, and McKinney Park, 801 Bloxam Avenue – July 31st. Contact Ofc. Antonio Robinson at arobinson@clermontfl.org for additional information.
Chef’n It Up Pizza, 821 W. Minneola Avenue, will host a meet-and-greet for the CPD and the community on July 16th, from 5-7 pm. Similar to the Coffee with a Cop program, this will be an opportunity for friendly conversation between community members and law enforcement personnel in a family-friendly environment while enjoying delicious New York-style pizza made from scratch.
The Clermont Police Department continues to seek certified police officers for hire. The beginning salary starts at $65,405 with an increase for prior experience. Benefits include participation in the department’s take-home vehicle program, specialized units within the department, and a 20-year retirement plus health benefits package.
Police cadet academy sponsorship positions are available through a candidate selection process. The Clermont Police Department will pay cadets an hourly wage to participants while they are enrolled in the police academy. Interested people may inquire further at www.joincpdfl.com.
Visit the Clermont Police Department (FL) Facebook page for continuing updates to summer season and community event schedules.
