WATSONVILLE—As a traffic patrol officer, Watsonville Police Officer Devon McMahon has his share of contact with the community, although possibly not always the type the community hopes for.
That changed Wednesday during Coffee With a Cop, an event held nationwide to bring law enforcement officials and the public together in a light-hearted social shindig.
“Our citizens trust us, and they look to us when they’re in trouble,” McMahon said. “And this helps reinforce that.”
The event at Coffeeville in the East Lake Village shopping center drew dozens of people who came to chat, sip coffee and take photos.
Watsonville Police spokeswoman Michelle Pulido said the department hopes to host the event twice a year.
“It’s part of our goal to engage with the community,” she said.
Juan “Paco” Bribiesca said he became a police officer because it gives him the opportunity to serve the people.
“It’s a good feeling I get when I’m able to help someone,” he said. “This helps build relationships with our community.
