Connecticut State Police has recently acquired a unique vehicle—an ice cream truck funded through taxes from the legal cannabis sales.
The $37,000 “copsicle truck” was financed by taxes from two cannabis clinics in Danbury, intended for community relations and public events.
Cones, including bomb pops and Klondike bars, have been generously provided by local residents and businesses. The truck has already handed out treats at two summer camps in the area.
“The campers were thrilled to meet the officers and, of course, enjoy free ice cream,” shared Susan Hitchcock, director of the Danbury Summer Camp. “It was such a nice surprise; both the staff and the campers appreciated the visit.”
Sgt. Alex Relyea from the Danbury Police Department was inspired to start this project after a vacation to Lake Winnipesaukee, where he discovered a similar concept in nearby Burnstead.
“I just kept thinking that Danbury needed an ice cream truck,” Relyea remarked. “I managed to persuade the mayor to allocate some funds for it.”
Mayor Roberto Alves highlighted the initiative’s role in enhancing community relations, saying, “It’s a chance to show kids that police officers are approachable and here to help.”
Relyea collaborated with Paul Poirier, a veteran law enforcement official, to develop the first police ice cream truck in 2022. Poirier now runs a business that transforms old ice cream trucks into police vehicles.
“Given all the negativity surrounding law enforcement lately, I felt this would cast us in a more positive light,” Poirier pointed out. “These trucks help connect the community.”
Danbury’s police ice cream truck won’t be idle when summer ends. Relyea has noted a surge of interest from people and businesses eager to contribute. “I mean, who doesn’t love ice cream?” he said.
