'Cooking Cops' To Serve Thanksgiving Lunch To Hopewell Students

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Walkie-talkies and badges might be part of a cop’s regular uniform, but what about hairnets and aprons?

On Thursday, Nov. 19, those items will become standard issue for the school police officers who are serving a special Thanksgiving lunch to Hopewell Middle School students.

Started by Hopewell Officer Vargus Owens, the first-ever event aims to show students and the community a different side to law enforcement. He said he was inspired to start the “Cooking Cops” program at Hopewell after being part of a similar event at another metro police department.

“There are situations across the nation that depict police officers in a negative light, and I think it’s important that our students see that we’re real people who care about them,” said Officer Vargus. “Whether it’s keeping our kids safe by patrolling the school or just by serving them lunch, we will help in any capacity we can.”

Officer Vargus is one of 73 school police officers located throughout the Fulton County School System.

Depending on school size or population, Fulton middle and high schools have between 1-2 school-based officers who are in place and ready to respond to any potential safety situation. Officers also are on hand to respond to elementary schools in their area.

In addition to meeting the certification standards of the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T.), which is required of all Georgia law enforcement, school police officers also have specialized training that helps them build relationships with students, staff and the school community.

“Thanksgiving is a time when everyone shows gratitude and appreciation to others, and our school police officers want to give something back to our school,” said Officer Vargus. “Seeing us in an unexpected role makes others smile and that makes us happy.”

Hopewell Middle School is located at 13060 Cogburn Road in Milton. Officers will serve lunch from 10:45 a.m. until 1:20 p.m.

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Image via Patch