July 6, 2009
Brandon Haught
Public Information Office

 “OPERATION CHILL” ON THE LOOKOUT FOR GOOD DEEDS

Area youngsters may be looking forward to a run-in with Volusia County Sheriff’s deputies during this hot summer. Deputies will be "ticketing" kids whom they observe doing something helpful, deterring crime or participating in a positive activity in the community with Slurpee coupons. The coupons can be redeemed for a free 12-oz. Slurpee at any 7-Eleven store. The Sheriff’s Office will distribute 5,000 coupons as part of this year’s “Operation Chill.”

Sponsored annually by 7-Eleven stores, “Operation Chill” is a statewide program designed to promote good deeds in the community and enhance relations between law enforcement officers and the young people they meet on their neighborhood patrols. “This is a wonderful program that creates opportunities for our deputies to have positive interactions with children and reinforce good behavior,” said Sheriff Ben Johnson.

Almost any act that demonstrates kindness, compassion or responsibility can qualify for a Slurpee coupon -- anything from helping a stranded motorist, showing friendship to a visitor or wearing a bicycle helmet to picking up trash, assisting someone with their groceries, observing proper safety habits, or simply doing the right thing. Deputies also will distribute the coupons to young crime victims or hand them out to youngsters who simply need a pat on the back. No purchase is necessary to redeem the coupons.