By Cristóbal Reyes
Orlando Sentinel
OVIEDO, Fla. — Kids in Oviedo can soon begin collecting a new set of trading cards — featuring the city’s newest police officers.
The initiative is the Oviedo Police Department’s latest effort to connect with the community, this time through collectible cards featuring its rookie officers.
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Each week, beginning in early January and continuing through spring, the department will reveal a location where the cards will be handed out, which could be a local business, a city event, a park or at after-school events.
The cards feature a photo of the officer, a brief profile of their work assignment and a fun fact about themselves. For instance, the card featuring Bryan Santiago, a patrol officer hired in 2023, says that he “enjoys watching the NY Mets play baseball as well as playing video games” in his free time.
“This program gives our newest officers an opportunity to connect directly with the community in a relaxed and fun setting,” Chief Dale Coleman said. “By meeting officers in person and collecting their cards, kids can learn more about the people who serve their city and strengthen the positive relationships we already have with Oviedo families.”
The cards also include an officer’s “personal motto.” A card of Officer Renier Marrero-White, also a 2023 hire, includes the aphorism, “Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth.”
“Courage is not the absence of fear — it’s the decision that something else is more important,” said another, an Ambrose Redmoon quote featured on 2024 hire Officer Shaniya Jernigan ’s card.
Starting Monday, the locations of the card drops will be posted to Oviedo PD’s Facebook page.
Other outreach efforts by the department include a Community Police Academy, the car show Cops ‘N Cars for Kids, Shop with a Cop and Fishing with a Cop.
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