Barnegat Cops Praise Community, Profession On 'Fox & Friends'

NEW YORK — Several Barnegat officers celebrated National Coffee with a Cop Day on national TV. Officers praised the profession and the Barnegat community Wednesday on "Fox & Friends."

"Our community locally supports us tremendously, and we love them," said Lieutenant Jeffrey Ryan.

Patrolman Keith Falkowski was asked why he became a cop.

"My father was a police officer. His father was a police officer. We're just following the family business," he said.

When asked the same question, Ryan said, "I serve to make a positive difference in people's lives." Barnegat Sergeant Andrew Parsley and Lieutenant Jason Carroll also appeared on the program.

Police from various departments joined "Fox & Friends" Wednesday. The program gave free coffee to all visiting cops. Barnegat police also appeared on the program in January for Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Read more: Fox News Honors Barnegat Police On Fox & Friends

"Coffee with a Cop" began in Hawthorne, California, in 2011. Local officers were looking for ways to more successfully interact with citizens and establish trust.

The concept has since expanded to police departments in all 50 states, as well as Canada, Latin America, Europe, Australia and Africa. The goal is to create an opportunity for cops and citizens to interact outside of crisis situations.

Stafford police held a local "Coffee with a Cop" event from 9-11 a.m. Wednesday at Manhattan Bagel in Manahawkin. Several Long Beach Island departments will join the community at How You Brewin in Surf City from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday.

Watch Barnegat police on "Fox & Friends" here.

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