What better way to end a school week than to hang out with schoolmates and families doing a slew of fun activities in your own school yard?
Well, that’s the game plan from our friends at the Fifth Police District Advisory Council’s annual “Faith and Blue” Autumn fest at IHM.
The PDAC folks picked a nice fall day again and the event was once again a smashing success.
The school parking lot was abuzz with activity as youngsters and their families found an array of fun and challenging things to do.
The mastermind behind the community outreach program was none other than Community Relations Officer Damian Caggiano, who with his PDAC cohorts, hold several similar events each year to foster positive relationships between the community and those who dedicate themselves to serving and protecting us.
The Faith and Blue tie-in to the school was pretty obvious with a brigade of local police and firefighters in the house and church bells ringing in the background.
It’s only suiting, because both entities place a high value on service, loyalty, honesty, respect, and commitment.
Actually, the sound of the church bells was pretty much drowned out with DJ Barry “the Music Mann” Redemann blasting out a steady stream of up tempo music to fit the festive occasion.
Activities catered mostly to the younger demographic with the bounce house, pumpkin decorating, and face painting drawing the majority of youngsters.
There were several areas set up for games with corn hole getting the most attention.
Out on the front lawn (for a small fee), young cowpokes lined up for a chance to hop in the saddle with a guided pony ride. Too bad for me, I didn’t meet the weight limit.
Our local firehouses certainly made their presence known, offering a chance to explore the engine cabin, or even better yet, an opportunity to let loose a monsoon stream of water from a real life fire hose.
Kids being kids, many positioned themselves along the spray line to dowse themselves in the downpour.
Police motorcycles drew their fair share of tots looking for a photo op aboard the sleek looking vehicles.
Man for all Seasons James Dougherty was whipping out hot dogs from the grill faster than you could say ‘Oscar Meyers.’
Another popular figure was the Rev. Jack Kennedy and his Small Things enterprise. Kennedy, who is a chaplain at the Fifth District, had a set of tables set up where youngsters could help themselves to treats and refreshments, as well as pick up a few books just for the taking.
Hats off to the PDAC crew for their generosity in funding another memorable event that will undoubtedly pay dividends in the minds of the young people who will foster a positive perception of law enforcement way beyond the horizon.
Our friends in blue got their reward in more immediate ways, namely just seeing the beaming smiles on the faces of the children was worth its weight in gold. It’s a total win/win!
Community Relations Officer Damian Caggiano echoed those sentiments by summing up his take on the event.
He mused that “Faith and Blue is a wonderful annual event that is growing each and every year. It is a great way to tie our Spiritual Leaders in with our Officers and the Police Department to benefit the community. It’s an honor to be part of such a great event.”
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