It’s a tale of two coffee events with different results.

Last Thursday, six police officers were standing together enjoying their drinks inside a Starbucks coffee shop in Tempe, Ariz. Apparently, the presence of those officers left one customer feeling unsafe and he complained to a Starbucks employee, according to the Associated Press report. The employee then asked the police officers to leave.

The Temple Officers Association said the officers called the situation perplexing.

“This treatment of public safety workers could not be more disheartening,” association President Rob Ferraro said. “While the barista was polite, making such a request at all was offensive. Unfortunately, such treatment has become all too common in 2019.”

It’s worth mentioning that Starbucks did apologize to the officers for the unfortunate incident. However, Ferraro’s concern is warranted. How did we get to the point where police officers are feared instead of looked upon as public protectors?

We know here in southwest Minnesota, our law enforcement officials are working hard to serve and protect. Evidence of their work came to the forefront on Wednesday when word got out that Minneota Police Chief Bill Bolt joined other first responders rushed to the aid of a woman about to give birth in Minneota Police Department parking lot. “I don’t think I’m going to make it (to the hospital in Marshall),” the mother to be told her sister.” The mother and her sister were traveling from Porter.

The delivery was successful and later that same day at the Avera Marshall Medical Center, Bolt paid a visit to the appreciative mother and her newborn for a joyous reunion.

On July 16, Bolt will be joining Lyon County Sheriff Eric Wallen and Minnesota State Patrol Captain Casey Meagher at a leaders in law enforcement community meeting at the Minneota Senior Center. The event is being described as a casual coffee meeting.

For many people, their only connection with an officer is when getting stopped for speeding or other traffic incidents. Events like the one being held in Minneota go a long way to connect law enforcement with the community in a non-threatening manner. It’s a great opportunity for members of the community to ask questions and get answers on what’s going on in their community when it comes to public safety. It’s also a good opportunity to thank these law enforcement officials for making southwest Minnesota streets safe.

Take the time to attend and get to know your police chief, sheriff and Minnesota State Police officer.