ARLINGTON (WBAP/KLIF News) – A man from Arlington will fire up his smoker Saturday for a monthly event he calls “Cookout for Cops.”
John Hart has been hosting these meals at his home on Royce Drive since May. “We wanted a venue to develop better, more positive relationships between law enforcement and the community,” said Hart. “We have probably fed more than 250 people, and it grows by about 5-10 more people each time.”
Hart said he has become concerned about security since five police officers were gunned down in downtown Dallas on July 7th, but it’s not going to stop him. “I’m inviting these officers to my home. I want them to be able to come out and not have to watch their back. From day one, we have had people who have threatened to come protest our events. I have had people try to educate me on the evils of the corporate officers, so it hasn’t changed anything as far as the haters go. It does make you more cautious. However, at the end of the day, we know that we are doing what we are supposed to be doing and if God can close the mouths of lions, he can keep me safe too.”
Click to hear WBAP/KLIF’s Chelsea Wade talk with Hart:
“It has been an eye opener for me,” added Hart. “You get to interact with [the officers] and see a human element. They talk about their families. They talk about their passions and the things they enjoy doing.”
Hart has received a few unsolicited donations, but these events are mostly at his expense. He is awaiting approval on a 501c3 application. “Once we become a non-profit, we can host larger events and bring in funding so we can expand to other areas of the city,” said Hart.
The next cookout is Saturday, Aug. 4 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 2314 Royce Drive.
Click here for more information.
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