Coffee and conversation at Vancouver PD’s east precinct
A police appreciation group expressed its gratitude Wednesday with Xpresso 2 U.
Xpress 2 U, a mobile coffee business, set up shop outside Vancouver Police Department’s east precinct, giving out drinks and striking up conversations with law enforcement officers.
“It’s an important time for the community to come together,” said Nathan Sanger, a police officer. “You definitely feel supported when the community does something like this for you.”
Erik Jennings, a sergeant, said it was an “awesome” gesture.
“It’s nice to know that people still think positively about the police department, or first responders in general,” Jennings said. “We’re happy to have them out today.”
Gerardo Gutierrez, an officer, said it was very generous.
“It’s kind for them to do it, especially in a time when there is a lot of heat,” he said.
Sheila Schmid, who is part of the appreciation group that originated in Camas and Washougal, was there to meet with officers, as well. The group has held similar events for police and fire personnel in east county, too.
“We’re a pretty large group of like-minded citizens who support the men and women in our police departments,” Schmid said. “We’re always looking at proactive ways to show that support.”
It is more important nowadays, she said.
In fact, as she drove to Wednesday’s event, she heard news on the radio of a riot in Portland on Tuesday night. Police officers had objects thrown at them.
“We like to counteract that obvious negativity with the fact that there is a large majority of people who support the police being able to do their job,” she said.
Eddie Holford owns Xpress 2 U, a coffee shop on wheels that is based in Vancouver. His father was in law enforcement.
“I respect police officers. I know the job is not easy,” Holford said. “It’s about showing appreciation for people who are risking their lives for us. That’s it. It’s a way to give back.”
wpDiscuz
