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Police Department Buys Ice Cream Truck To Give Away Free Ice Cream To Kids

July 5, 2018

The Pittsfield Police Department has found a unique way to connect with the community and used the Fourth of July to kick the whole thing off.

Credit: Officer Darren Derby

It's been a couple years in the making, but Operation Copsicle is officially a go.

"There is no easier way to reach out to kids than through ice cream," said Officer Darren Derby. "The ice cream just gets them there and that's when you can have a conversation and they can ask you about things."

Credit: Officer Darren Derby

Operation Copsicle was the brain child of Officer Derby. He's known for his community outreach, and he wanted to find a way to do even more.

But Derby said the community was just as much help getting the wheels rolling on the idea.

Credit: Officer Darren Derby

Derby said they stocked the truck on Wednesday with more than 2,000 popsicles to hand out, and the operation is already getting great reaction from the community.

Credit: Officer Darren Derby

"I think they're still in kind of awe. Do the police really have an Operation Copsicle?" he said.

Credit: Officer Darren Derby