‘Coffee with the Chiefs’ connects Fort Drum residents with DES officials
The monthly Coffee with the Chiefs forum gives community members a direct line to law enforcement and fire officials so they can voice neighborhood concerns, ask questions, and receive updates.
“Even one resident’s question or concern can help identify an issue, raise awareness, or provide information that benefits the broader community,” said John Bredehoeft, Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes project director.
While some topics are seasonal – like winter safety or additional police presence during Halloween trick-or-treating hours – Bredehoeft said that they generally focus on current community needs.
“Discussions frequently include traffic and speeding concerns, seasonal safety reminders from police and fire leadership, general community safety trends and abandoned vehicles,” he said.
At the September gathering, Fort Drum Police Chief Todd Julian and Lt. Scott Ferard listened to resident feedback about parking on sidewalks, unsupervised juvenile activity, and aggressive driving in parking lots. They also talked about how some issues can move beyond checks by MCH staff and into more direct chain-of-command or DES involvement.
Attendees noted that the distribution of Child Supervision Age Matrix magnets has been a helpful way to inform parents about child safety standards on post. Tom Wojcikowski, with Fort Drum Family Advocacy Program, said that lawn signs can also be placed in key areas to reinforce that message.
Julian said Coffee with the Chiefs began several years ago as a grassroots initiative to band first responders and residents together to problem-solve neighborhood issues.
“I think this has been a crucial program because it gives the community an opportunity to have a voice and help us come up with solutions to some the issues in their neighborhoods,” Julian said. “And we’ve seen that this has worked.”
Julian said that community members can keep the program going strong by inviting more neighbors to participate.
“It doesn’t always have to be when somebody sees an issue or there’s something they want to voice a concern about,” he said. “Just show up and be a part of the conversation. I think it’s important to just be a part of the process.”
DES officials also brief the public during the Community Information Exchange, held inside the Peak on the first Wednesday of the month.
The next Coffee with the Chiefs is scheduled for 10 a.m. Oct.27 at Monument Ridge Community Center.
“Residents who are unable to attend can stay informed through Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes’ regular communication channels, including resident emails, social media, and monthly newsletter updates,” Bredehoeft said. “Residents can also contact the Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes team directly with questions or concerns, and the team can help connect them with the appropriate resource when needed.”
For more information about Mountain Community Homes, visit [https://www.fortdrummch.com](https://www.fortdrummch.com).
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