Reading Town Manager To Join Officers For Coffee With A Cop

READING, MA — The Reading Police Department is hosting Coffee with a Cop this week, and the event will feature a special guest.

In addition to representatives from the Reading PD, Reading Town Manager Fidel Maltez is scheduled to attend the event, which will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Last Corner, located at 49 High St. Free coffee and snacks will be provided.

Organizers said Reading Police Chief David Clark and Deputy Chief of Police Christine Amendola are among those expected to represent the department at Coffee with a Cop. The Reading PD's comfort dogs also are expected to attend.

According to organizers, the event will not feature any agenda or speeches, but simply give members of the community a chance to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know the officers in their neighborhood and Maltez.

The Select Board chose Maltez as town manager in December 2021. According to the Town of Reading website, Maltez serves as the chief administrative officer of the town, overseeing the administration of all town affairs and supervising several town departments.

Maltez is tasked with implementing and managing all policies, programs and procedures that have been implemented by the Select Board and Town Meeting.

Additionally, Maltez, who previously served as the commissioner of Public Works in Chelsea, is responsible for budget preparation and implementation, hiring personnel and negotiating labor contracts. The town manager also is the chief procurement officer for all town property, other than school property.

Maltez told Patch that he was excited to be part of Coffee with a Cop.

"This event is incredibly important to continue fostering a strong relationship with Reading Police Department and our general community," Maltez said. "The Police Department does amazing work in Reading, and events like this are a great way to highlight this. We welcome all members of the community to visit."