BBQ marks changing of the guard

Hundreds of local residents took advantage of a beautiful Indian summer evening on Thursday by taking part in the Third Annual COPS Shop Barbeque hosted by the Maywood Merchants Association and the Englewood Business Association.

Graced with warm rays and a clear blue sky, the community gathering met with rave reviews while lending support to the police sub-station that services the neighborhoods of Northwestern Independence.

Calling on the skills of one of Independence’s finest, Officer Allison Vermin, to supply the mouth-watering smoked meats and a devoted corps of neighborhood volunteers, the event is annually regarded as among the most impressive all-volunteer efforts. Relying exclusively on the donated manpower of local residents and business owners to execute all aspects of the fundraiser, the event successfully generates money to pay the COPS rent at the Winner Road storefront.

The barbecue also provided an ideal opportunity to welcome Sgt. Chris Garcia to the Englewood Sub-Station. Recently appointed to the position, Sgt. Garcia will lead the community policing efforts and bike patrol headquartered at the location. Area supporters of the COPS Shop also seized the chance to say farewell to Sgt. Bill Vaughan who has manned the station for the past four years.

Becoming a familiar face in the neighborhood and a trusted resource for residents and business owners, Sgt. Vaughan built the COPS Shop’s “open-door policy” inviting anyone with concerns or suggestions into the Englewood office. Receiving the sincere gratitude of the community, Sgt. Vaughan was surprised with an enormous cake from Covenant Cakes sporting a law-enforcement theme.

Also in attendance to demonstrate their support were retired Chief of Police Fred Mills, Chief Tom Dailey and a number of officers representing the Independence Police Department.