The Paducah Police Department is joining with law enforcement agencies across the country this weekend as they team with local churches to celebrate National Faith & Blue Weekend 2023.
The event is designed to encourage collaboration between law enforcement and houses of worship to reach out to communities through neighborhood activities.
As part of the Faith & Blue Weekend celebration in Paducah, the PPD will host Coffee With a Cop and join with community partners for Housing Authority Fun Day and a Resource Expo.
Officers will talk with residents and seek input at Coffee With a Cop, set for 7:30-9 a.m. Friday at McDonald’s, 2627 Jackson St. Residents can chat with officers in an informal setting, sharing their thoughts and concerns over a cup of coffee.
Paducah Housing Authority’s annual Fun Day will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Elmwood Court. The Paducah Police Department will again take part.
The highlight of the Faith & Blue Weekend celebration is a Community Resource Expo from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Bethel Tabernacle Church, 2100 Bridge St. The church is partnering with the police department to bring together various groups and organizations to provide information to residents about available services.
Slated to participate are Emerald Foundation, Molina Healthcare, BHG Recovery, St. Vincent de Paul, WKCTC Adult Education, Heart USA, Paducah Cooperative Ministry, Diabetes Connection, Hope Unlimited, McCracken County Humane Society, Turning Point Recovery, McCracken County Library, Kentucky Cancer Program, Four Rivers Behavioral Health, City of Paducah, Anthem, Kentucky Career Center and LivWell.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to work with the faith community to reach out to our citizens,” said Chief of Police Brian Laird. “Coffee With a Cop events always provide valuable input from residents, and we hope citizens from throughout the city will participate in the Community Resource Expo on Saturday. These groups and organizations provide valuable services, and we want our residents to be aware of what is available to them.”
Community Engagement Officer Blake Quinn is organizing events on behalf of the police department.
“We’re excited to take part in National Faith and Blue Weekend because it allows our community members to get to know the men and women behind the badge,” Quinn said. “We look forward to creating bonds with the public that not only foster a spirit of unity in our city, but also allow us to partner with other community organizations that will bring much needed resources to our friends and neighbors."
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