Memphis Police Department officers recently traded their usual beat for storytime at St. Agnes Academy, kicking off Read Across America Week. Colonel Moffatt and Major Braxton sat down with a group of eager first graders to share the tale of "Officer Buckle and Gloria." After the reading, the young audience had the opportunity to chat with the officers, inquiring both about their favorite books and their most memorable moments in law enforcement.
A social media post by the Memphis Police Department detailed the officers' visit, noting that the interaction was not just about storytime, but also about building connections with the community's youngest members. "After the story, the students were excited to ask questions about their favorite books and what the officers' most memorable police missions were", the post read. This initiative is a part of the department's community outreach to foster a positive relationship between law enforcement personnel and younger residents.
Read Across America Week serves as a nationwide celebration of reading, meant to encourage children and adults alike to engage with books and find joy in literature. Spearheaded by educators and celebrated by all walks of life, it's an event that often sees community leaders, celebrities, and local heroes stepping into classrooms to highlight the importance of reading.
Colonel Moffatt shared his childhood favorite, "Robinson Crusoe," a tale of adventure and survival, with the students. His choice underscored the personal connections we all have to the stories we encounter during our formative years, and perhaps gives a nod to the sense of adventure that later led him to a career in policing. The officers' presence in the classroom during Read Across America Week is just one of the many instances where public service and education intersect, creating moments for learning as well as for building bridges within the community.
