DERBY – For city police Officers Eric Grella and Frank DeAngela, their weekend patrol meant fulfilling sweet tooths and bridging gaps in the community.
‘Operation Cool Down’ returned to Derby Saturday afternoon, a partnership between Derby Police and Sundae Funday Ice Cream Truck of Shelton, handing out free ice cream to downtown residents.
“We’re just trying to have positive contacts with people, make them see [police officers] as regular people other than in a position of law enforcement,” said Sgt. Brian Grogan.
This event began in 2019, inspired after Derby Officer Tim Conlon assisted an Anson Street kid selling lemonade in his neighborhood.
Community outreach efforts give Derby officers a chance to interact and improve relationships with city residents. Superior officers have encouraged pick-up basketball games and classroom discussions about law enforcement, according to Grogan.
“Most police contacts are negative, so we put an emphasis on communication,” said Grogan.
Outside Derby Police Department headquarters on Water Street, resident Ja’Zaiah Moreno and Grello discussed their favorite video games and YouTube channels.
“It’s better to race online — it’s illegal in the streets,” joked Moreno as Grella laughed in agreement.
Derby resident Leni Vicioso-Espinal and his family came out on Caroline Street to enjoy the drive-up festivities. A Dominican Republic native, Vicioso appreciated how local officers made a causal interaction impactful.
“It’s really cool because it makes us comfortable, they talk to us and we have ice cream,” said Vicioso-Espinal. “When I was younger, I didn’t have moments like this.”
Officers also gave away free back to school supplies and T-shirts.
Shelton Printing created magnetic signage for police vehicles that advertised the event, while Sundae Funday Ice Cream Truck owners Mike and Chelsea Curran hope to establish a permanent storefront in Little River Plaza in Oxford early this fall.
Vicioso-Espinal held his 7-month-old daughter, Annalise, hoping that positive connections with local police continue when she’s older.
Grogan said the department will host a Touch-A-Truck event at Derby High School in October, amongst other police outreach activities in the works.
“It’s something to let them know we’re out there,” said Grogan. “Everyone’s excited, who doesn’t love free ice cream?”