LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Dozens of people gathered in downtown Lima Thursday morning for the city's second Coffee with a Cop event.
The event gave Lima police officers, city officials and residents an opportunity to talk, share concerns and get to know one another.
Several families attended the event and had the chance to interact with Nado, a Lima Police Department canine officer. One of the city's new first responder program drones also hovered over the crowd.
Residents said they appreciated the opportunity to sit down and talk with police officers.
Toni Moore said she was impressed with the Lima Police Department.
“I'm out here just to visit with all the important people in Lima. They're doing an awesome job. I think the police department's on the ball, and I think I'm really impressed with them.”
Ron Wilson said he enjoyed talking with a Lima police officer who is a former Marine.
“We love the protectors of our community. We like to get to know them. This young man was a Marine. He is always a Marine, and I'm a Marine. And we were talking about good old days, things like that.”
Mayor Sharetta Smith said communication between residents, police and city officials is important to maintaining a safe and vibrant community.
“Provide an opportunity for us to speak with residents, but also for residents to speak with each other. This really builds on our philosophy that having a safe community requires everyone working together. So shared opportunity, shared responsibility. What dialogue do we need to have and continue to have to keep our community safe?”
Smith and the police chief also discussed the importance of partnerships within Lima and with state agencies, including the Ohio Department of Safety, which the city partnered with over the past year.
City officials said continued communication and collaboration between residents, law enforcement and government agencies will remain an important part of efforts to keep Lima safe.
