After a seven-year hiatus, Ridgefield Rocks With Cops returned to Overlook Park on May 30, giving community members an opportunity to meet Ridgefield police officers while enjoying an afternoon of painting rocks.

One of the organizers, Officer Kaylin Debiak, shared some of the backstory.

"Chief Cathy Doriot really loved the event and advocated for bringing it back," Debiak said. "She got Interim Lieutenant Andrew Marvitz and me together and said, 'I want you guys to be in charge of the event and bring it back.'"

And so they did.

The last Rocks With Cops event was held in December 2019. Like many community traditions, it was interrupted by the COVID pandemic. Residents were excited to see its return, and turnout exceeded expectations. Organizers started with 200 rocks and nearly ran out before finding more to keep the fun going.

"I've been telling everybody that everybody has a neighborhood park here in Ridgefield," Debiak noted. "Because all of our parks connect. So my challenge to them is to bring the painted rocks to their neighborhood park and hide them for somebody else to find."

Another popular attraction was Mira, the comfort dog with Kindness 911. The nonprofit organization helps connect local law enforcement and other first responder agencies with the communities they serve. More information can be found at kindness911.org.

With a successful return and strong community participation, organizers hope Rocks With Cops will once again become a Ridgefield tradition.

"It's so fun and special to spend a little one-on-one time with the kids," said Debiak. "I think it's special for us because we're able to meet kids in our community, and it's special for them because they get to know who's out here and build that rapport and trust."