The Lakewood Police Department has reached out to local veterans in a novel way with the introduction of their "Coffee With A Vet" program, detailed in a recent announcement by the City of Lakewood. Borrowing a page from their successful "Coffee With A Cop" events, the initiative focuses on building bridges between police officers with military backgrounds and the veteran community.
The program kicked off earlier this month and is designed to operate as a monthly meetup, giving veterans an opportunity for open dialogue with officers who understand the military experience due to a shared history. With 21 percent of Lakewood's police force comprised of veterans, the department is positioned to create a space where understanding and empathy are the norm, not the exception.
During its inaugural session on August 5 at the Cove Community Center, "Coffee With A Vet" saw a positive response from attendees. This blend of community policing and veteran outreach aims to provide a sense of ease for those who might be grappling with the often-invisible wounds of service. The department has expressed that having officers who have donned both the military and police uniforms can offer a special degree of kinship and support to fellow veterans.
Events are slated for the first Tuesday of each month, filling the hours between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. at the Cove Community Center, where the focus remains firmly on conversation and camaraderie, without the presence of alcohol. In an official statement by the City of Lakewood, an environment where veterans "can come together, connect, and be heard" is cited as the cornerstone of the program's philosophy.
Lakewood PD’s initiative reflects a growing trend among law enforcement agencies to foster stronger, more empathetic connections within their communities. This approach, particularly when considering the unique challenges faced by veterans, marks a thoughtful step in community engagement strategies — one that honors the service and sacrifices of veteran populations through fellowship and mutual understanding.
