Love unites community members and law enforcement heroes on Monday as Kennett Township police, back row from left, Corporal Jeffrey Call; Public Relations Officer Elysia Simmons; Patrol Officer Jonathan DeLeon; Patrol Officer Robert Dowd; and Chief Matthew Gordon; join Community Manager Kathryn Sylvia and Marketing Representative Carolyn Kitsock for a special Cupid and a Cop event, hosted by The Flats at Kennett, on the eve of Valentine’s Day. (COURTESY PHOTO)
KENNETT — Local law enforcement officers celebrated community, and puppy love, together during a special Cupid and a Cop event hosted by The Flats at Kennett this week.
“The number of residents that attended the event was just incredible,” said Public Relations Officer Elysia M. Simmons of the Kennett Square Police Department.
“We are fortunate to have dedicated officers that participate in year-round community programs is a way for law enforcement to capture the spirit of giving back to our community. This gives us ample opportunities to interact with our community casually on a more personal level,” she said. “Our community engagements are unique to us, but having the ability to celebrate a hallmark event was heartening.”
Nearly 9,000 people live in Kennett Township.
“It was fantastic seeing the officers also connect with the dogs who live at the Flats,” Simmons said on Wednesday.
And dogs just don’t offer unconditional love, which is priceless, they also stand guard to protect their loved ones from harm.
In terms of safety, Simmons noted, visible and barking dogs likely may act as deterrents which can cause lower property crime levels and harden the homeowners as a target.
Furthermore, “a burglar may think twice about breaking into a home when a dog inside the residence confronts an intruder,” Simmons stated.
The Kennett Township Police Department’s coverage area spans approximately 9,000 residents. Kennett Township expands over 19 square miles containing commercial industries and residential properties.
“The Kennett Township Police Department is committed to our community policing efforts. In addition to protecting our citizens, we focus on building trust between citizens and law enforcement officers,” she said.
And regarding the special community event on Monday — Cupid and a Cop, she said: “On behalf of the officers who attended, it was a wonderful event, and a great opportunity to get to know everyone on a personal level. It was our pleasure, and we thank you for making the event a success. We will continue to host and participate in events throughout our community to ensure we are listening to what our community needs.”
“On behalf of the Kennett Township Police Department, I would like to thank the management, especially Kathryn and Carolyn at The Flats at Kennett, for their kind invitation to interact with the residents,” said Chief Matthew Gordon on Valentine’s Day.
Gordon said the Cupid and a Cop event well-attended and the second community-driven event in recent memory to prove that The Flats are serious about interacting with their police department in a joint effort to keep the lines of open communication and prevent crime.
“We look forward to future engagements as we build and maintain community relationships with our residents,” the chief said.
“Last night’s event was wonderful,” said Community Manager Kathryn Sylvia of The Flats at Kennett on Millers Hill. “We had around 100 attendees including five members of the Kennett Township Police.”
The event featured a smooch-a-pooch doggy kissing booth, a caricaturist, a cookie decorating and craft station, and an area for eating and socialization.
“This is the first Cupid and a Cop with the Kennett Township police, but it is our second event coordinating with them. The first event was Coffee and a Cop last October,” she said, adding that the Kennett Township Police hosted that event at The Flat’s Clubhouse.
“They are exemplary in their efforts to build community and we look forward to doing more events with them,” Sylvia said of the Kennett Township police.
In addition to approximately 100 attendees including residents of The Flats and their families, there were 20 dogs who visited the event for photo opts with loved ones and police officers.
“It is evident that the Kennett Township police are committed to protecting & fostering community in the Kennett Township area. That commitment is seen through their good character & through the time and effort they put into their role, both on and off the clock,” said Carolyn Kitsock, marketing representative for The Flats.
“We just want to express our love and appreciation for the Kennett Township police and their efforts to build community. We think the Cupid and a Cop event was a fun, light-hearted ice breaker for residents & police members to get to know one another, fostering community and creating familiar faces,” she said.
“This ultimately supports both our goals and the Kennett Township police’s goals to build community,” Kitsock said. “This was a great event to show appreciation for the Kennett Township Police. We hope they felt the love with good conversations, laughter, and lots of puppy kisses at this fun Valentine’s Day event.”
She added, “The overarching theme is love for the Kennett Community that is shared by all.”
