Police serve up lunch for Kiski Area elementary students
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Three Washington Township cops were serving it up Wednesday at Kiski Area Upper Elementary School, but there were no warrants involved.
“It’s lunch with the law,” joked police Chief Scott Slagle.
Slagle, joined by Officer Kenneth Hollis and Sgt. Vince Surace, served lunch to almost 550 students.
The annual event was created two years ago to allow students to get to know their local police in a school setting.
“It seems to be a positive influence on the kids. They get to see other people in my department,” said Hollis. “We definitely want the kids to feel comfortable and be able to approach us with anything.”
Officer Hollis and other Washington Township police officers served lunch to our Upper Elementary students today ! Special thanks to Chief Slagle and Sgt Surace #KiskiProud pic.twitter.com/HMujJ6HwUB
— Kiski Area Upper Elementary (@Kiski_Area_UE) November 24, 2021
Hollis serves as a full-time resource officer in the Kiski Area School District at East Primary, South Primary and his home base campus, Kiski Area Upper Elementary.
“It’s a good time. You get to see and talk with the kids,” Slagle said.
Many of the students were surprised to see the officers behind the food line serving chicken, pizza and sides.
“It’s sweet because we’re going into Thanksgiving break and I think it’s great because they serve our community,” said fifth grader Jadyn Richards.
Many students thanked the officers for their service while going through the lunch line.
“It’s nice to see them here because you don’t get to see cops that much,” said fifth grader Cody Lang.
The officers had to cancel last year’s lunch because of the pandemic. Kiski Area Upper Elementary Principal Brian Swartzlander said it was nice to see this outreach return.
“We pride ourselves on building positive community relationships,” Swartzlander said. “When our service men and woman dedicate their time to our kids in this fashion, it has a lasting impact.”