Police Chief Johnny O’Mara went into Starbucks in Kiefer, Oklahoma on Thanksgiving to get coffee for his dispatchers. He volunteered to work on a day that is dedicated to spending time with family. What officer O’Mara got was coffee labeled, “Pig,” on the spot where his name was supposed to be on the cup.
The barista purposely degraded Officer O’Mara on a day he was sacrificing for others. Starbucks acted promptly to terminate the employee and issue a statement regarding the incident.
“This language is offensive to all law enforcement and is not representative of the deep appreciation we have for police officers who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.” Starbucks and the Kiefer police department plan to host a “Coffee with a Cop” event that allows baristas to meet local law enforcement.
The barista who wrote the offensive term apologized, but claimed it was just a “joke.” No one thought it was funny, and the barista is now jobless. Ridiculing the brave law enforcement who work tirelessly and put their lives on the line everyday for citizens is not something people should ever find funny.
Unfortunately, incidents of intense disrespect toward the police is pretty commonplace. Those who are anti-cop are enabled by the leaders in society who echo the rhetoric of dishonor towards the men and women in blue. Despite the inexcusable actions, Officer O’Mara called on Starbucks to have mercy on the employee, and not to fire them.
Every cop always has to be the bigger person. They also don’t get to choose who they want to protect, yet they go out and do their job, willing to take a bullet for anyone. Americans United for Values supports the thin blue line- if you do too, donate today!