Cookies & Milk with a Cop becomes photo-op for kids

An interesting trend has emerged from the monthly Cookies and Milk with a Cop event.

We are not referring to the required components of the event. Yes, an Apopka Police Officer still reads two or three short stories to the kids. And yes, between stories the kids line-up to enjoy Cookies and Milk provided by the Apopka Main Street McDonald's restaurant.

The interesting trend is the number of kids who want to have their photos taken with a police officer. The trend started last month and seems to be becoming more popular.

This month the kids heard Officer Jason Wiggins read three stories; Wild Witches Ball, It looked like Spilt Milk, and One Hundred Bones.

Officer Wiggins is Apopka's new Community Policing Officer. He is replacing Cindy Hall who has been promoted to Sergeant. Officer Wiggins is not new to Apopka as he has served as the School Resource Officer at Apopka High School for the past 8 years.

Cookies and Milk with a Cop is an initiative started by Officer Andrew Raphael of the Winter Garden Police Department last year.

The monthly event lasts for only an hour, but it provides a unique opportunity for children to interact with police officers in a fun and non-traditional environment that builds trust and makes friends.

Cookies and Milk with a Cop is a joint venture between the Apopka Police Department, the Apopka Main Street McDonald's restaurant and the North Orange Branch Library in Apopka.

• APD provides a police officer to read to the children.
• McDonald's provides the cookies and milk.
• The Apopka Library provides a comfortable setting for the event.

The co-sponsors host monthly Cookies and Milk with a Cop gatherings.

The events are held at 10:30 AM on the 3rd Saturday of each month at the North Orange Branch Library in Apopka at 1211 East Semoran Boulevard in Apopka.

The next event is scheduled for Saturday, November 19th. Arrive early or you will have to sit on the floor.

Use this link to see more photos from the event.