Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/348392
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has joined Operation Chill™ again this year, with deputies "ticketing" youngsters through the popular community service program sponsored by 7-Eleven® stores, the office has announced. Youngsters who are caught in random acts of kindness, good deeds or positive com- munity activities are "ticketed" with free Slurpee coupons, a news release explains. Appropriate "offenses" might include being helpful, wearing a helmet while riding a bicy- cle or skateboarding, or deterring crime, the release points out. "Our deputies enjoy interacting with Sarasota County's youth," said Sheriff Tom Knight in the release. "Opportunities like these help promote positive relationships and rein- force trust among law enforcement and young people." Since the program's inception in 1995, more than 12.5 million Operation Chill coupons have been distributed to law enforcement agencies in neighborhoods where 7-Eleven operates stores, the release says. During the upcoming summer months and back-to-school season, children in more than 600 communities are expected to receive free Slurpee coupons, it adds. SHERIFF'S OFFICE ONCE AGAIN PARTICIPATING IN OPERATION CHILL™ Sgt. Todd Williams 'tickets' three children in Venice as part of Operation Chill™. Contributed photo Sarasota News Leader July 18, 2014 Page 76