Palm Bay Police Chief James Rogers Responds To McDonald’s Refusal of Service to Police Officer

By  //  February 13, 2018

“The Palm Bay Police Department has always experienced a great working relationship with our community partners and we will continue to do so,” said Chief Rogers.”Our hope is that our community and businesses recognize the importance of supporting our police officers as we support them.”

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Officials of the Palm Bay police department met with members of McDonald’s regional management team at 4701 Babcock St. Ne to discuss the incident involving a McDonald’s employee’s refusal to serve one of their police officers.

The police department has expressed concerns over the incident and will support their officers when they are not treated appropriately or singled out because of their profession, according to a Palm Bay Police spokesperson.

“The Palm Bay Police Department has always experienced a great working relationship with our community partners and we will continue to do so,” said Chief Rogers.

“Our hope is that our community and businesses recognize the importance of supporting our police officers as we support them.”

Last Friday, Palm Bay Police Lt. Tim Lancaster posted on Facebook he was refused service at the McDonalds restaurant located at 4701 Babcock Street NE.

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Lt. Lancaster said he was snubbed because he was a police officer and was completely shocked and disappointed.

“I have been working in law enforcement for over 20 years and never thought I would personally experience what just occurred at the drive-thru at the McDonald’s at Palm Bay Road and Babcock Street,” said Lt. Lancaster.

“I ordered my lunch, paid at the first window and moved up to the second window to pick up lunch. When I got to the window, the clerk looked at me with my drink in hand and stopped. For the record, I am in full uniform and an unmarked car. She handed my drink to another clerk and walked away in disgust.

“I asked the other clerk what was wrong, she stated that the other clerk refuses to serve cops. I was embarrassed and upset. After a while, I called the store and spoke to Omar, he identified himself as the general manager and said he would address it.

“I will never eat at McDonald’s again. Never been treated like that before. Please share.”

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ABOVE MAP: Officials of the Palm Bay police department met with members of McDonald’s regional management team at 4701 Babcock St. Ne to discuss the incident involving a McDonald’s employee’s refusal to serve one of our police officers.