Cookies for a Cop continues sweet tradition
WEST CHESTER >> Five years ago, a campaign to express appreciation to members of law enforcement began with a few dozen cookies for a single sheriff’s office in Kentucky.
Fast forward to 2019: “Cookies for a Cop” has delivered more than half-a- million baked goods nationwide, an accomplishment that extends into Chester County. It has also been expanded to include firefighters and some K-9s. Debi Raughley and her daughter-in-law, Erin Grandizio, made a crowd-pleasing delivery to the Chester County Sheriff’s Office.
It was one of multiple stops they made that day, but it lightened their load substantially since they dropped off several boxes of homemade cookies, pretzels, and dog treats. The pair received an adorable assist from Gabrielle, Raughley’s 2-year-old granddaughter. Not only did the youngster bond quickly with K-9 Melody, the courthouse comfort dog, but she also enjoyed identifying Melody in the K-9 calendar.
The annual campaign requires months of planning, including calls to the various offices throughout the county to get a head count so that no one is left out. Raughley said a posse of bakers lent their talents to creating the tasty bounty.
Like many of them, Raughley has strong ties to first-responders. Erin Grandizio, a former police officer, is married to Raughley’s son, a third-generation lawenforcement officer.
In 2016, the national program changed to “Cookies for a Cop and our Fire Friends,” but Raughley also makes sure the four-legged members of law-enforcement get treats as well. This year, Raughley and her group will serve 15 police agencies and 18 fire departments in Chester County.
According to the national organization’s website, the gift of cookies represents more than a sweet snack; it demonstrates a level of support and thanks for what first-responders do each day.
Chester County Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh said members of the office look forward to the lovely gesture. And needless to say, the delicious contents of the boxes get consumed in record time.
“Members of the office truly appreciate the thoughtfulness and work that this campaign requires,” said Welsh. “We are fortunate in Chester County to have this kind of support for law enforcement. This is an event appreciated by all the deputies — two-legged and fourlegged.”