NEWS RELEASE Contact: Ms. Christa Kermode
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ckermode@purcellvilleva.gov, 540-338-7422x100
PURCELLVILLE POLICE HOST POP (SICLE) WITH A COP EVENT
PURCELLVILLE, Va., July 15, 2020 — The Purcellville Police Department is pleased to host our first Pop (sicle) with a Cop event on Friday, July 24th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the parking lot of the Atlantic Union Bank located at 431 East Main Street (formerly Middleburg Bank). Due to the current COVID-19 situation, our traditional National Night Out events that were originally scheduled to take place on August 4th, which both the Department and our community members look forward to participating in every year, will not be taking place. However, the Purcellville Police Department wanted to find a way to continue that connection with our community members, but in a smaller, casual setting that did not promote large neighborhood gatherings. Based on our traditional “Coffee with a Cop” events, which encourage community members to engage in conversations with police officers in an informal, neutral space to build and grow relationships, Pop (sicle) with a Cop provides the opportunity for officers and citizens to converse and enjoy a favorite seasonal pleasure of Popsicles on a hot, summer day!
Residents are invited to join the Purcellville Police Department for a free Popsicle and some friendly conversation. A drive through option is available for those who want to just say a quick hello and take their Popsicle to go. Bicycles, strollers, and walk-throughs are also welcome. The Department will be following CDC guidelines, asking that attendees remember to social distance, and the wearing of masks is encouraged. We would like to thank Giant Food for the generous donation of delicious Popsicles for everyone to enjoy.
“With so many wonderful events understandably cancelled due to the coronavirus, we wanted to find a means to still positively interact with our Purcellville residents, but in a way that all those who wanted to attend could do so safely, regardless of their comfort level. Whether that be to stay and chat with us for a few minutes, or do a quick wave and greeting as you drive through and pick up your Popsicle. We look forward to seeing some familiar, and also hopefully new, faces,” stated Chief Cynthia McAlister.
This program originated from the national Coffee with a Cop initiative supported by the United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, which aims to break down barriers between police officers and the citizens they serve. Coffee with a Cop brings law enforcement officers and the community members together over coffee (or Popsicles) to discuss issues and learn more about each other. The PPD hosts Coffee with a Cop events bi-monthly at various times and locations throughout the Town of Purcellville.
The Town of Purcellville, Virginia
“Purcellville-your small Town, where history and progress intersect and people prosper,” is an award-winning town of over 10,000 residents located in Loudoun County, approximately 50 miles west of Washington, DC. Having received the prestigious Siemens Sustainability Award for Small Communities, Purcellville continues to be honored for its green initiatives with most recently being the Tree City USA recipient for the 12th year. The Town was reaffirmed as a AAA rated community by S&P Global Ratings, the highest credit rating possible, and is ranked “Safest City” in Virginia in 2020. Once a stop along the W&OD rail line, which has been converted to a multi-use trail from Alexandria, VA to Purcellville, the Town has maintained its historic old-town feel through the restoration and maintenance of its many downtown structures, reflecting the Victorian architecture popular during the early 1900s. Today, Purcellville is the economic hub of western Loudoun County and a popular weekend destination for antiquing, equestrian activities, farmer’s markets, wineries, breweries, distilleries and restaurants. More info at www.purcellvilleva.gov.
###
