by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
The perennially successful Cookout with Cops is assured to continue, thanks to a contribution from Country Manor.
At the Jan. 12 city council meeting, Sartell Police Chief Jim Hughes shared the good news. It typically costs about $1,000 for the police department to host Cookout with Cops each summer. The event features guest speakers, information and a barbecue meal cooked by law-enforcement officers and other volunteers. It’s a way for senior citizens and police to get to know one another and to share ways to remain safe. Last summer the event had a record turn-out with several hundred participants.
At a recent meeting of S.A.L.T., Hughes mentioned to those gathered he is not certain the police department can continue Cookout with Cops because as it has become more popular, it’s become more expensive – about $1,000 each time.
One of the members of SALT is Gayle Rucks, an employee at Country Manor in Sartell. Just five hours after the SALT meeting, Hughes received a phone call from Rucks. She told him she had checked with others at Country Manor and solicited commitments of $1,000 for each of the next three years to continue Cookout with Cops.
Hughes was stunned and gratified, as were the city council members who heard about such instant generosity. They extended thanks and gratitude to Rucks and Country Manor.
