The ice cream truck was unveiled on May 25 at the Washington Township senior center.
Ice cream truck makes its debut in the township
Township police have taken their initiative, Ice Cream with a Cop, to a whole new level with the unveiling of a Bomb Pop ice cream truck paid for with forfeiture funds.
Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik said the idea was born three years ago after his cousin – a retired New York City police officer – sent him a photo of a similar ice cream vehicle he saw on the West Coast.
“He knew that our mission centered on community policing and that I would be interested in this type of outreach,” Gurcsik recalled. “I am always actively seeking new and innovative ideas to engage and create positive experiences with the community.”
A truck refrigeration company in Long Island upfitted the state-of-the-art 2023 Dodge Ram Pro Master, a high-top van with freezers, power and an ice cream window. It will offer hot chocolate and other snacks in the winter.
The vehicle was unveiled on May 25 at the Washington Township senior center, where officers handed out free ice cream and frozen treats.
The ice cream truck was unveiled on May 25 at the Washington Township senior center.
Gurcsik believes the truck reflects the department’s Community Caretaking mission.
“Our police officers must be guardians of the community and not warriors,” he explained. “The community caretaking role of police builds trust. Our pledge to the community is to provide outstanding service now and in the future.”
The new ice cream truck will be funded through donations from various business partners, other donations and grants, Gurcsik noted. It will appear throughout the year at outreach events, camps, the Fourth of July parade, DARE (Drug Awareness Resistance Education) graduation, school events and “pop up” events in residential developments.
“We have a first night of Hanukkah menorah lighting at police headquarters every year in December,” Gurcsik said. “We will make sure the Bomb Pop Ice Cream Truck makes a visit.”
