SCSO Joins Operation Chill

NEWS RELEASE #: 16-112

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Lt. Brian Gregory rewards a little one practicing safety with a free Slurpee coupon.

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has joined Operation Chill™ again this year, the popular community service program sponsored by 7-Eleven® stores.

This summer, deputies, public service aides and other agency personnel will "ticket" youngsters who are caught in random acts of kindness, good deeds or positive community activities with free Slurpee coupons. Appropriate "offenses" might include being helpful, wearing a helmet while riding a bike or deterring crime.

"Our deputies enjoy interacting with local youth in non-law enforcement situations," said Sheriff Tom Knight. "We welcome any opportunity to promote positive relationships and reinforce trust between law enforcement and the community we serve."

Since the program's inception in 1995, nearly 15 million coupons have been distributed to law enforcement in neighborhoods where 7-Eleven does business.