09/26/2026
Things you won’t usually see on social media:
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to grab lunch with our day shift squad. Officers pitched in, grilled burgers, brought some sides, and the food was great. But the food wasn’t really the point.
Around the table were patrol officers, detectives, admin, an officer’s wife and child, and even a foster child who is currently being given a safe place with one of our officers during a difficult time.
We talked about wedding anniversaries. We talked about hunting. We talked about raising kids, fostering children, home life, and all the things that remind us there is a whole lot more to us than uniforms and emergencies.
We do things like this with all of our teams pretty frequently, but yesterday just felt a little different. The family centered camaraderie around the table was especially strong.
Police departments are built on training, equipment, policies, and good people doing difficult work. But they’re also built around tables like this. Sharing a meal. Laughing together. Knowing each other’s families. And truly KNOWING your partners.
Yesterday was a good reminder that sometimes the strongest teams aren’t built during the big events. Sometimes they’re built over burgers. And I love that.
Coatney 800
