Chief Richard D. Howe reports that the Tyngsborough Police Department completed Operation Copsicle on Monday at the Tyngsborough Elementary School, as police handed out free ice cream to fifth graders.
School Resource Officer Bethany Bonczar organized the event, using funds raised for the Tyngsborough Police Department’s School Resource Officer account via the annual School Resource Officer Golf Tournament. No public funds were used.
Approximately 150 fifth-graders were treated to their choice of ice cream from a Dylan & Pete’s Ice Cream truck, with Tyngsborough Police Officers working in the truck to hand out the goodies.
“Operation Copsicle was created to celebrate the outgoing class of fifth-graders transitioning into middle school next year and to create positive relationships within the community of Tyngsborough,” said Officer Bonczar. “The Tyngsborough Police Department strives to connect with our young student population so that they know us as people first, and police officers second. This connection is incredibly important to building lasting positive relationships.”
This was the second time that Tyngsborough Police have conducted Operation Copsicle. Officer Bonzcar was assisted by Officer Christopher Gustafson, Sgt. Kenneth Healey, Sgt. Charles Rubino, and Sgt. Cynthia Shay.
Deputy Chief Shaun Woods and George, the Tyngsborough Police Department’s comfort dog, greeted students. Officers posed for photos with students.
Events such as Operation Copsicle foster positive interactions with community members, and build relationships with young residents.
“I would like to thank the Tyngsborough Elementary School administration for allowing us to put this event on again this year,” said Deputy Chief Shaun Woods. “We work hard to build relationships within our community, especially with youth, and we hope this helps all young people in Tyngsborough see us as neighbors and human beings and not just police officers. It was great to see so many smiling young faces at this event.”
