Westminster Police Department holds annual National Night Out event

By Annisa Charles

Children of all ages, with their parents and community members, gathered in a bigger crowd than last year to enjoy the National Night Out with the Westminster Police Department on Aug. 1 in the Target parking lot on Beach Boulevard.

City departments and businesses set up booths where people could learn more about those who keep them safe, answer questions and show their support of the Westminster Police Department. Businesses including Chick-fil-a, Raising Cane’s, Howards, Home Depot and others were present to show their support, along with giving away prizes, food, and providing projects for children to enjoy.

Police Services Officer Monique Pena was in charge of planning both last year’s and this year’s National Night Out events. She said while it is stressful putting the events together, it is worth it in the end to see so many people show up and enjoy the festivities.

Ken Deagle, a Westminster police volunteer, and animal control representatives answered questions about laws concerning animals and about Deagle’s daily routine at the department.

“This event is great to allow more openness with the community so people can see what the police department does. They’re a family,” Deagle said.

Happy Hooves was in attendance, letting children get in their pop-up petting zoo to enjoy and learn more about their animals. Children could pet a mother goat and her three babies, a few rabbits and chickens, and a piglet. Happy Hooves also brought two horses for children to ride in the parking lot.

Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) also attended to provide information about their organization. BACA member Lil Trout said they were there to support the police department and the community as well as raise awareness about their organization. They applied temporary tattoos to community members at their popular booth.

Chief of Police Darin Lenyi said National Night Out is a great way to connect with the community and for the police department to come face-to-face with community members in a friendly setting. Lenyi’s only request of community members and the police officers who attend National Night Out is to have a good time and increase their understanding of one another.

“This is the best police department to work with,” said Westminster School District Superintendent Gunn Marie Hansen.

Westminster School Board member Frances Nguyen said her favorite part of National Night Out is seeing the community come together to have fun and get to know their local police department, firefighters, and businesses.

For photos and more, visit www.behindthebadge.com.