In honor of Police Week, hundreds of Lansing residents gathered together on Wednesday at Hawk Island Park, 1601 E Cavanaugh Road, in Lansing, to say thank you to the local safety patrols in the annual Police and Fire Field Day and Safety Patrol Picnic.
There were hot dogs, snacks and drinks served to the students and parents who were in attendance. Some other attractions were the displays made by some of the public officials who were at the event. Some of the safety officials included members of Michigan State Police, East Lansing Police, Lansing firefighters, Domestic Emergency Support Team, MSU Police Aviation Unit, Michigan Sheriffs’ Association and the Red Cross.
Executive director at Lansing Area Safety Council Suzy Carter organized the event.
“The community support and the kids (are) what makes this picnic really special,” Carter said. “This is a great way for the kids to interact with our public safety officials (on) a positive basis.”
Lt. Patrick Lawrence from the Michigan State Police Aviation Unit said he enjoys coming back to this event because of the amazing time he has with the kids.
“All you have to do is take a look around and see how excited the kids are about engaging with all the equipment and all the people out here,” Lawrence said. “It gives them a greater understanding of what we do, and it also gives them a more comfortable feeling with law enforcement.”
Community Service Trooper Marco Jones, from the state police post in Lansing, says the interaction with the local residents can improve public safety.
“The most important thing residents can take from this event is to trust your law enforcement,”
Jones said. “If you see something, say something. We don’t want our residents afraid (of) us, we are here to help.”
Carter also mentions that the event is a recruiting tool for potential future public safety employees.
“The younger kids in the school see the leaders of the school becoming safeties,” Carter said.
“So there is some incentive there because to be a safety you have to behave and maintain certain grades.”
Lansing Fire Department Capt. Wade Elton believes the attendance from all the different public officials is key to recruiting upcoming officials.
“Hopefully this event might give the students some direction for their future profession,” Elton said.
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