GOOD GUYS The Ice Man

Three boys were using beer bottles for target practice outside ICY Blue when co-owner-and Dallas police officer-George Kleinmeier made them an offer they couldn’t refuse. “If you come in and read me a story,” he said, “I’ll give you a free shaved ice.”

One by one, the boys put down their rocks. Soon all three were reading to the off-duty cop, savoring their just desserts.

Opened last fall, ICY Blue, located at 2017 Abrams near Gaston, lives up to its name: ICY stands for Inner-City Youths, the intended target. A 19-year veteran (14 with DPD’s SWAT team), “Officer George” awards a free shaved ice to students who bring in high scores on tests or report cards with a teacher’s note. He also donates part of his profits each month to the “Make a Wish” Foundation. “I want to show these kids that cops aren’t the enemy,” he says. “I’m not getting rich-I just hope to be a positive role model.”

Besides ice cream and 60 icee flavors-try Yoo Hoo or pink dragon-ICY Blue offers an “arresting” display of police memorabilia: a working police light hat {sans siren) adorns one wall, near vintage photos and a Dan Quayle photo op. “Deputy badges” and balloons are dispensed along with collectible police cards.