Local law enforcement agencies are coming together with the community for a sweet cause this Thursday, July 3rd, at Dairy Queen, located at 2191 Northside Dr. E, Statesboro, GA 30458 for an event aimed at fostering positive community relations and supporting anti-bullying initiatives.
The event, initially conceived as "Cones with Cops," has expanded to include a wider range of agencies and a broader charitable focus.
What started as a conversation between Ruth Atchley of the Statesboro Police Department and Mr. Keith Marsh from Dairy Queen has blossomed into a multi-agency collaboration. The Statesboro Police Department, Bulloch County Sheriff's Office, Georgia Southern University Campus Police, and Ogeechee Technical College Campus Police are confirmed to participate.
Additional invitations have been made to include Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and Portal and Brooklet agencies, although final confirmation for all is pending.
The core idea is for law enforcement to mingle with the community in a relaxed setting. Dairy Queen will be donating a percentage of sales from 3pm to 5pm to Fostering Bulloch, a local organization dedicated to supporting children in the community. Additionally, the event aims to shed light on anti-bullying efforts, a campaign spearheaded by James Bubba Revell of the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office.
Attendees can expect a fun and interactive experience. Police departments plan to bring their patrol cars, allowing children an interactive experience with buttons and sirens. There will also be a certified police officer on site who will offer guidance on proper car seat installation and safety – a valuable resource for parents.
Marsh emphasized the importance of this event in strengthening community ties with law enforcement.
"We want [the community] to be able to mingle with them and get to know them, so they can strengthen that. I feel like this is a good thing."
Organizers are optimistic about the event's success and hope to make it an annual tradition, growing in size and impact each year. This Thursday marks the inaugural "Cones for a Cause" and "Scoops of Support" event, and the community is encouraged to come out, enjoy some treats, and connect with their local first responders.
For more information about this delicious event, please visit Dairy Queen's website.