by Chuck Seaver, South Lake Tablet
The Clermont Police Department (CPD) held its monthly Coffee with a Cop community relations event on Wednesday, April 22nd, at the Friendship Place-Friendly Grounds Community Café, 2400 South US-27, Clermont.
The community event hosted by Central Florida DreamPlex-Clermont was a multifunctional celebration that included Earth Day kits offered for sale by the adults with disabilities clients. The kits are handcrafted vegetable seed gift sets complete with step-by-step garden growing instructions. The Mother’s Day-themed gifts are available for a fundraising donation of $6.00 at the Friendship Place’s Friendly Grounds Café.
Members of the CPD were on hand to answer questions and discuss topics with community members who stopped in to enjoy the morning treats and coffee blends offered. The officers also enjoyed mingling with the DreamPlex clients who were busy with upcoming summer season projects in the community.
Topics of discussion included the 5th annual Conrad Buckley Memorial Golf Tournament that will take place on May 1st at the Legends Golf Course, 1700 Legendary Blvd., Clermont. Registration begins at 7 am, with opening ceremonies beginning at 8 am. The golf tournament raises funds that are applied to the Conrad Buckley Scholarship program, a program that supports students in the Police Explorer program to attend the police academy, providing them with 770 hours of accredited police training. Ofc. Buckley, 52 years of age, died in 2020 due to complications related to the COVID-19 virus. Multiple sponsorship levels remain available currently. Contact Cpl. Drew Evans at Devans@ClermontFl.org or 352-394-5588 for registration details.
The Clermont Police Department will be participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25th. Officers will be available in the lobby of the CPD Headquarters, 3600 South US-27, from 10 AM – 2 PM, to receive expired or unused prescription drugs. The drugs will then be disposed of in an environmentally friendly and lawful way.
The police department continues to seek qualified applicants for the position of sworn police officer. A $3,000.00 bonus is offered for people who are currently state-certified by the State of Florida Police Certification Commission. Visit www.JoinCPDFL.com for additional details.
The Friendship Place provides adults with developmental disabilities a safe and engaging daytime program to keep them active mentally and socially in a positive environment while providing respite to caregivers. The attendees have direct and immediate access to physical, speech, and occupational therapy services, as well as recreation and fitness programs to ensure healthy minds, bodies, and souls.
Visit www.CFLDreamplex.com/Friendship-Place.com for additional details.
