The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Officers host ‘Skating with a Cop’ event
Even on an unseasonably warm Super Bowl Sunday, the first-ofits-kind event drew a crowd to C.E. Orr Ice Arena in Euclid.
The Richmond Heights and Euclid police departments joined together Feb. 2 to hold the first Skating with a Cop event. Richmond Heights Police Chief Tom Wetzel said it’s something that they hope to do regularly.
The idea originated in Wetzel’s department. Richmond Heights does not have its own ice skating rink. The chief said at one point they were considering building a temporary outdoor rink, but ultimately dropped that idea and partnered with Euclid.
There was free admission and free skate rentals during the event. Euclid Community Policing Specialist Kate McLaughlin said
the event was a good way to get families to interact with their local police departments. Both Euclid and Richmond Heights had officers skating on the ice.
“It’s a fun and easy way to talk to (the officers),” McLaughlin said.
Richmond Heights police officer Jim McVey helped coordinate the event for his department. He said it’s a chance to see officers in a different capacity. “We’re having fun,” McVey said.
Wetzel added it’s another opportunity to build bridges with the community. He said the department previously had a Hiking with a Cop event that went well and they’re working on other ideas.
McLaughlin gave credit to the Euclid Recreation Department for helping the event come together. Hannah Zacorek, who manages the arena, said it was a good opportunity to get people through the door and experience the ice skating rink.
Also on hand were members of the Mentor Ice Breakers Hockey team, including a few players and the team’s mascot “Slam.”
Ice Breakers head coach Iain Duncan said the team already has a good relationship with the Mentor Police Department and now they’re expanding that to a wider area with the Euclid and Richmond Heights departments.
“It’s nice to get out and meet people and kids especially who are out here at a great event,” Duncan said.