SOUTH DEERFIELD — Seniors from all over southernmost Franklin County gathered under the South County Senior Center’s tent Tuesday morning to share coffee and conversations with local police officers.
Residents from neighboring Conway joined South County Senior Center members Deerfield, Whately and Sunderland for Coffee with a Cop, which was sponsored by the South County TRIAD — a partnership of law enforcement, community organizers and seniors.
TRIAD President Sharyn Paciorek said the event provides an opportunity for residents to speak to police officers in a casual setting.
“We found that this opens a lot of doors for our seniors,” Paciorek said. “I thought it went great.”
Police officers in attendance included several Deerfield members, Whately Chief James Sevigne Jr. and Greenfield Deputy Chief William Gordon, who grew up in Deerfield. Officers introduced themselves, discussed their jobs and socialized.
Paciorek said it was great to have so many officers representing towns in the area.
“We’re blessed with the officers we have. … I’m amazed Chief Gordon came down from Greenfield,” Paciorek said. “South County’s got a lot of goodness.”
Deerfield Detective Sgt. Adam Sokoloski said it is “always nice” to interact with the community in person.
“One of our main priorities is to talk to members of the community,” Sokoloski said. “(It gives seniors a chance) to ask questions they might not pick up the phone to ask us.”
Deerfield Police Officer James Fitzgerald, who became a part-time member of the department in April, said it is “more important than ever” for police to participate in community events like Coffee with a Cop.
“We need to be a presence in law enforcement and be a presence at events like this,” Fitzgerald said. “Take off our vest and shake hands with the community.”
Fitzgerald said it was an opportunity for residents to learn about all the different things the police do beyond arresting people. He said “community policing” is important and he hopes people recognize all the roles they take on beside law enforcement.
Similarly, Gordon said it’s important for police to “get out of their cruisers” and play a role in the community.
“Not just serve, but be part of the community,” Gordon said. “Anytime we can go out and talk to people one-on-one, it’s important.”
Gordon, along with other officers present, emphasized how seniors are more than welcome to reach out for help.
“We’re there to help or steer people toward the help they need,” he said. “Seniors have this feeling they don’t want to bother police officers.”
Gordon said Tuesday’s Coffee with a Cop was part of the Greenfield Police Department’s efforts to reach out to neighboring communities and departments. He added that even though Deerfield is not his community, plenty of Deerfield residents visit Greenfield and now have a friendly face they can recognize.
“Greenfield is not an island,” Gordon said. “They have a point of contact now.”
Sue Corey, the Senior Center’s program coordinator, said the seniors greatly enjoy getting out and socializing.
“They love it,” Corey said. “I’m thankful for the good turnout and the officers who took time out.”
Whately resident Judy Targhetta said it was great to talk to the police officers and it was a “nice crowd.”
“It’s wonderful,” Targhetta said of Coffee with a Cop. “It’s nice that we got to meet the police in different towns.”
South Deerfield resident Pat Zoly said she had never interacted with the police before.
“The cops were nice and informative,” Zoly said. “They were wonderful.”
Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.