A steady crowd enjoyed numerous activities at the Perry Hy-Vee Tuesday for the third edition of the Perry Police Night Out celebration.
Held nationwide on the first Tuesday of August, “Police Night Out” is intended to increase visibility and break down barriers between communities and the police departments who serve them.
The third yearly gathering in Perry featured a wide range of opportunities for the public, especially youngsters, to meet Perry officers and learn about their jobs.
A Perry Police vehicle was available to children to sit in and explore, as was an SUV provided courtesy of the Dallas County Sheriff’s office, who also provided a dunk tank.
“When I picked up the tank I mentioned our event to the sheriff (Chad Leonard) and invited them to be a part of it and he said his department would love the chance, so here they are,” Hy-Vee’s Larry Vodenik said. “We have Hy-Vee’s Kidsfit program here as well, but the dunk tank sure has drawn the crowd.”
Vodenik said he hoped to add additional activities next year to continue the trend of increased crowd size.
“It is not easy to keep young ones entertained for more than a few minutes, so you have to have several things going on,” he said. “Hopefully we can add face-painting or more games, something of the sort, for next year.”[wpedon id=”85410″ align=”left”]
Youth were able to turn on police vehicle lights and sirens, as well as see the extra equipment police carry with them, including evidence kits, crime scene tape, animal catching poles, additional handcuffs and more.
Officers helped youth try on vests and equipment belts as well, and anyone who wished for one received a variety of stickers.
Perry Police Chief Eric Vaughn was the first target in the dunk tank, with Detective Laura Deaton — who came up with the idea of bringing the tank to the event — the final dunkee. Both were repeatedly sent splashing into the water, to the delight of the all, including their fellow officers.
“We really had a good turnout today,” Vaughn said. “It is nice to interact with the public, especially with the younger kids. Often they see us only when something bad is happening, and this lets them know they can seek us out and talk to us.”
“It is never to soon to start a good relationship with the younger kids,” he added. “It helps them see we are regular people, just like their mom or dad or their teachers.”
