Community members and area law enforcement personnel gathered Thursday morning at McDonald’s on Porter Wagoner Boulevard in West Plains for “Coffee with the Cops,” an effort to facilitate communication between law enforcement and the public.
The collaborative event, sponsored by Wood & Huston Bank and promoted by the Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce, was designed to provide an open, relaxed forum to bridge the gap between local residents and area first responders.
"We just wanted to bring the community together," Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Coordinator Sylvia Biggers explained.
Both municipal and county law enforcement leaders praised the collaborative environment. Howell County Sheriff Matt Roberts noted he was grateful for the opportunity to directly visit with constituents to answer their questions and hear their concerns, while West Plains Police Chief Todd Stovall said it was a “great day” to get out in the community and meet local residents.
McDonald’s franchise co-owner Andi Hilburn-Vaini expressed similar enthusiasm for hosting the outreach drive.
"It's a great opportunity for our community to come out and meet our local heroes," Hilburn-Vaini said.
