LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- Coffee with a Cop affairs acting as community outreach efforts are nothing new.

However, the Lakewood police department recently upped the ante with its new Coffee With A Vet program taking place from 9 to 11 a.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Cove Community Center.

Lakewood Police Chief Kevin Fischer said the simple idea is to attract veterans to share conversation with officers who have worn both the nation’s uniform and the Lakewood badge.

“This is just another way to engage with the community and a way to show gratitude, respect and thanks to the men and women who served in the armed forces,” he said.

“It gives those veterans camaraderie where they can go and talk and have shared experiences.”

Lakewood has a strong tradition of employing veterans of th

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