Cocoa in Hand, Community in Heart: Del Rio’s Police Host Successful Cocoa with a Cop Event!

Newly Introduced "Officer Itchy" poses with Del Rio Royalty

It was a cool evening in Del Rio, the local police department welcomed families and the community to their holiday-themed gathering, a warm twist on their usual “Coffee with a Cop” event. This time it was called “Cocoa with the Cop,” and a cheerful crowd turned out for cocoa, coffee, and slices of cake. Children laughed and chatted with officers or played games, and parents took the chance to get to know the people who serve their community.

For the first time, folks also met “Officer Itchy,” the new mascot of the City of Del Rio Police Department. Alongside other officers, Officer Itchy handed out gifts to every child, bringing wide smiles. The event didn’t stop there. This year, the police department had invited the City of Del Rio Animal Control to join in, organizing an adoptathon where visitors could meet pets hoping for new families. It all made for a scene filled with laughter, curiosity, and kind connections.

Chief Ramirez explained the idea behind the gathering: “This is our third annual cocoa with the cop. So what we try to do is we try to engage the community as much as we can and have events so we can all get to know each other.” He added, “We’re supplying cocoa today and also every child here, they don’t know this yet, is going to get a present. We make sure that everybody gets one. We also have animal control here with us and we’re trying to adopt some of our furry friends so we’re hoping that somebody will give them some forever homes.”

Children line up to recieve their Gifts

Sgt. Galindo spoke warmly about the tradition and how it brings everyone closer together during the holidays. “It was put together, it’s our third annual Coco with the Cop, and it was put together to give back to the community, just to be able to talk with the officers and bring the community together during the holiday season,” he said. “We usually have had Coffee with the Cop throughout the year, but this one we wanted to change it up for the holiday season, and do Coco with the Cop, bring the kids out, let them have activities, and it just comes again to giving back to the community who supports us throughout the year.”

He continued, “We appreciate the support that the Del Rio community gives us, and this is our way to give back and bring the kids together, bring the entire community together as one, as a family, and as a community, and we are just grateful to have a great turnout this evening.”

The cocoa may have been sweet, but the real treat was seeing families and officers connecting. A community celebrating together.