Paul Drum Life Experience Project Presents Police Kids' Funfest

GREENPORT, NY — Children will get a chance to experience difference facets of law enforcement life Wednesday at the "Southold Police Kids' Funfest."

The free event, presented by the Paul Drum Life Experience Project, includes Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley, as well as other members of the police department, joining together for a morning of fun.

Children can experience the mobile command center, highway vehicles, ATVs, and marine patrol vessels, as well as fingerprinting, trying on official regulation police gear, and demonstrations by motorcycle and bicycle officers.

A special presentation by the Southold and Riverhead Canine Corps will be held between 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. To register children online for a priority seat, click here.

It's not the first time Paul has worked together with the Southold Police Department: In 2015, he was named Police Chief for the Day.

The Paul Drum Life Experience Project, according to the organization's website, "affords children the opportunity to participate in a vast and diverse array of activities and workshops designed to open their worlds and expand their horizons," with an eye toward broadening fields of interest, piquing curiosity, and sparking an enthusiasm for learning.

"It all started with a young man’s enthusiasm. Paul Drum was seeking a way to give back to the generous community who unconditionally accepted and supported him," the site explained. Together, Paul's mom Sharon Sailor as well as Keturah Hurst and Arlene Klein worked together to make vision a reality.

Today, the free program is designed for children 7 to 12 years old who meeting once a week for 8 weeks during July and August. At each weekly session a new theme of interest is presented and led by an expert in that particular field. Varied topics may include signing for hearing children, robotics, touring an electric power plant, shark study, and so more.

This program grows with money provided by donations from the global community, generous sponsors, and “fun-raisers” including the "Pirates and Mermaids" breakfast held at Front Street Station every year.

Last year, Paul was named Suffolk County Legislator for the Day by Legislator Al Krupski at the 5th Annual "Paul Drum Pirate & Mermaid Breakfast" during the 28th Annual Greenport Maritime Festival.

The award is another honor for Paul Drum, who was dubbed New York State Assemblyman for the Day in 2017; Greenport Mayor for the Day in 2014, Police Chief for the Day in 2015 — Town Supervisor Scott Russell also designated a Paul Drum Day in Southold that year — and Suffolk County Executive for the Day in 2016.

Sailor said she wants to take the time to thank all the civil servants who have taken time out of their schedules "to support us, and especially Paul and his program. He sends an important message to the disabled community that no matter what your station or handicap one can always find a way to be involved and give back."

Sailor, who shares a deep bond of love with her son, reflects on her pride in her son's accomplishments: "Paul has given more back to the community than many with no 'handicaps' at all. He is passionate about being able to develop something that will leave a legacy, while at the same time, bettering where he lives."