North Catasauqua Police Department held a Coffee with the Cops gathering Oct. 14 at Taylor Roasted Coffeehouse, 1830 Main St., Northampton. North Catasauqua residents were offered a free coffee to come and connect with their local law enforcement.

The police department consists of seven officers, led by police Chief Chris Wolfer. Three officers — Wolfer, Cpl. Steven Santiago and Sgt. Antonio Tramonte — were present to meet and greet about 15 people who attended.

In addition, North Catasauqua Mayor William Molchany attended in support of the department.

Toward the end of the event, the officers presented shirts to the owners of the coffee shop, Jackie Livermon and John Weber.

The North Catasauqua department offers a host of programs and activities to serve the community. It provides a school resource officer for Catasauqua Area School District, offers women’s self-defense classes and CPR programs, hosts crime watch meetings and other seminars and raises money to give gift cards to local residents in need.

At the recent Autumnfest at North Catasauqua William J. Albert Memorial Park, 701 Grove St., officers provided parents with free child identification kits.

The department also hosted a trunk or treat Oct. 20 at the park.

Through a state grant, the department is now offering a medical marijuana program to instruct on the proper use and availability of medical marijuana. In addition, it has certified drug recognition experts on hand to answer any questions.

Coffee with the Cops is a growing trend to unite police departments with residents. This concept of community interaction is taking place in other small towns and spreading all around the country. In fact, Oct. 2 has now been designated at National Coffee with a Cop Day.