Detroit, MI – Members of the Detroit Police Department’s Sixth Precinct served their community in a different way Tuesday; serving residents burgers and fries at a local McDonald’s.

On March 10, members of the Precinct’s Command Staff and Neighbor Police Officers served customers during their “Heroes & Happy Meals” event. The McDonald’s restaurant, owned by Detroit resident Tina Brundidge, was also the site of the Sixth Precinct’s “Coffee with a Cop” event in February.

“I think events like that are very important,” Ms. Brundidge said. “This way, some of the younger folks can see that police are normal, and they can talk to them. Its very good for the community, and I think we should do events like these more often.”

During their two-hour shift, right in the middle of dinner rush, the officers assisted the McDonald’s employees in preparing hamburgers and French fries, making sure orders were correct before they went out, and working the drive thru window.

“We learned that patience, teamwork and dedication to creating the best product possible is the core of what the workers at McDonald’s do daily,” said Sixth Precinct Captain LaShanna Potts. “It was hard work but they kept a smile and truly made us feel apart of their team.”

Events like “Heroes & Happy Meals” and “Coffee with a Cop” have highlighted the efforts of the Sixth Precinct leadership under Captain Potts and Commander Arnold Williams to build a stronger partnership with the people they serve.

“It is important that the community sees law enforcement as their friends not foes,” Captain Potts said. “What better way to connect with the community then volunteering to work next to the people we are trying to reach. We are so grateful that McDonald’s allowed this opportunity.”

While working behind the counter at a fast-food restaurant might seem very different from the work a police officer does every day, the Sixth Precinct officers were able to learn, and teach, a lot during their short time on the clock at McDonald’s.

“We learned so much in those two hours and it is our hope that those we engaged did too,” Captain Potts said. “We are committed to improving the relationship between the community and the police, and “Heroes and Happy Meals” was one of the ways we were able to accomplish our goal.”