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In a twist on the traditional ice cream truck, the Storm Lake Police Department in Iowa has found a unique way to bring smiles and cool treats to residents. Meet the “YumVee,” a transformed Humvee that serves as an ice cream truck, spreading joy throughout the summer months.
The YumVee was created in 2020, after SLPD Chief Chris Cole was inspired by seeing other agencies around the country successfully using ice cream trucks for outreach. While Storm Lake officers had sometimes given out ice cream to kids in the past, their lack of a portable freezer to keep the treats from melting limited their efforts. A community grant from Tyson Foods allowed the department to repurpose a utility vehicle it already had on hand, painting the army green 1991 Humvee black and white and fitting it with a cold plate freezer designed for ice cream trucks. To make it a multi-use, all-season vehicle, it’s decorated with removable magnets (with slogans such as “Protect and Serve…Ice Cream”) and the freezer can be taken out if the Humvee is required for other police functions, such as off-road search and rescue operations. The vehicle is stocked with ice cream and popsicles funded by generous community donations.
As the YumVee drives around Storm Lake, delivering treats on sweltering summer days, it plays a vital role in strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the community by allowing officers to connect with residents in a non-enforcement role.
“It enables officers to go and have conversations with community members, basically, where they’re comfortable in their own neighborhoods,” Cole explained to KTIV News.
When the YumVee rolls into neighborhoods, children flock to the officers, drawn by the rumbling sound of the vehicle. The officers not only distribute ice cream, but also bring sports equipment and balls to engage in friendly games with the local kids.
“The officers sometimes give us ice cream and play ball with us,” one excited child shared.
Cole said the initiative is particularly important for engaging with residents who come from countries where trust in the police is not easily established.
“We want to try and break down that barrier and show the community that they can trust the police and law enforcement. We’re here to help,” he explained.
For the SLPD, community policing is a top priority, and officers thoroughly enjoy this aspect of their job. “It’s as fun for them to give out the ice cream as it is for the kids to receive it. They really enjoy doing it,” Cole said.
In addition to visiting neighborhoods around town, the YumVee makes appearances at community events, such as the June 25 “Kid Fest” celebrating the 150th anniversary of Storm Lake.
With three successful years of operation so far, the YumVee has brought countless smiles to the faces of children and fostered positive interactions with police officers. Cole promised the community more surprises involving the YumVee in the future.
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