Winona Baptist Church, in an effort to bring the community and law enforcement together, held its first “Coffee with Cops” this past Saturday.
Winona Baptist’s Cheryl Small said she wanted to hold the event as a way for the community to get to know the law enforcement beyond their badges. She said with everything going on, she wanted local law enforcement to know that the community they serve supports them.
“It was wonderful,” Small said. “I didn’t know what to expect but it was a great outcome. We had a lot of people in attendance.”
Small said during the event Winona Police Chief Tommy Bibb and Carroll County Sheriff Clint Walker introduced their officers and their families. She said it helped those in the community put a face with a name.
“I didn’t know them myself,” Small said. “I knew them when I saw in them uniform, but I didn’t know their names.”
She said the event gave residents a chance to get to know their officers on a more personal level.
“Initially, I wanted to do it as an annual event. But, I had people come up to me as they were leaving when the next one was scheduled. They’re looking forward to it more frequently.”
Small said Bibb also reached out to her and asked her to hold the event again.
“We’ll be preparing for another one. I don’t know how soon yet,” she said. “It may be held at another venue to give businesses a chance to bring people in as well.”
Small said the second event will likely be held in the next several months.
“People were really optimistic about it, so we’ll be planning it in the next six months or so.”
She said the Winona High School basketball team served as greeters and several local businesses donated refreshments for the brunch.
“I want to thank Coach Presley Coleman and his team,” she said. “They welcomed everyone in to the event. I also want to thank Winona Dry Cleaners, D & K Cleaners, Tyler Holmes Hospital and Winona Manor for their donations.”
