CHP talk over coffee

Residents meet new officers at event in Newhall, ask questions about patrol

What was intended to be a chance for the community to meet officers of the California Highway Patrol over a cup of coffee turned out to be a chance for six CHP recruits to meet the people they protect and serve.

At least 10 CHP officers with the Newhall Station, including CHP Captain Edward A. Krusey, and six officers hired less than two weeks ago showed up at the Honu Coffee shop on Lyons Avenue, said CHP Officer Richard Byrod.

“For these six new officers, it was an opportunity for them to the community,” he said.

Thursday was the day designated by the CHP as a chance for officers assigned to its Community Engagement and Recruitment Team to meet casually with citizens across Los Angeles County for

some simple talk and straight answers.

The CHP calls the spe- cial event “Coffee with a

Cop.”

Similar outreach days were held in Valencia and Stevenson Ranch. On Thursday, it was held in Newhall.

“It was a good turnout,” Byrod said. “The Honu Coffee people were very hospitable having us there.”

Citizens took advantage of the officers’ presence to ask them about personal concerns, safety issues and national stories about law enforcement officers, he said.

Officials with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station also host similar events around the valley.

Dan Watson/The Signal (Above) Santa Clarita residents Ed De Benedetti, left, and Carrie Safian, right, chat with California Highway Patrol Officer Richard Byrod during a Coffee with a Cop in Newhall on Thursday. (Below) CHP Officer Josh Greengard chats with Candace Yang and...