DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. — When the ice cream man rolls through Douglas County neighborhoods this summer, there might be a deputy behind the wheel.
Sgt. Jessie Hambrick is driving the Douglas County Sheriff Office’s newest patrol car, the coolest crime fighter on the road.
"What's funny is, the kids 'know' that music. Everybody knows the ice cream truck but then to see the sheriff's car with the blue lights on---it's like, wow!” Hambrick said.
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It’s a truck called the Polar Patrol. Its mission is to protect and serve---ice cream.
On Friday morning, the truck arrived at Golden Memorial United Methodist Church for summer camp. Dozens of children waited in line for a free treat.
"It is an absolute blessing, and a good thing for little kids to build a relationship with Douglas County deputies,” Golden Memorial’s Laparris Vail said.
As the kids took turns turning on the siren, the sheriff’s office used the opportunity to teach life lessons about the dangers of drugs, gangs and bullying.
"Let them see us, hug us, and talk to us---and see us in a positive light for one time,” Hambrick said.
The truck was unveiled on Independence Day, and so far has been a sweet success.
"I think it's great, and I thank them for that!" 9-year old Maniyah Taylor said.
As everybody posed for a picture in front of the truck, Sgt. Hambrick shouted, “One, two, three! Ice Cream!!!"
The program is not costing taxpayers a dime. The sheriff’s office used money seized from drug dealers to buy the truck, and local businesses are donating the ice cream.
Cox Media Group
