Johnstown participating in Westerville’s Cops & Kids Day

The Johnstown Police Department will be sharing officers’ expertise with kids from throughout Central Ohio atWesterville’s Cops & Kids Day Sept. 13.

From 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Hoff Woods Park, 556 McCorkle Blvd. in Westerville, children will have the opportunity to interact with law enforcement officers while learning about the technology and equipment they use.

There will be cruisers, large tactical vehicles, helicopters, motorcycles and SWAT vehicles on site.

Most police departments allow children inside their vehicles to show off the vehicles’ features.

Kids can participate in games such as “Dunk-a-Cop”, police-related scenarios and other activities.

The first 1,000 children will receive a free Cops & Kids Day giveaway item.

When kids get tired of playing on the inflatable amusements, they can hop inside a police cruiser or learn about underwater dive teams or canine units, said Josh Boudinot, a Johnstown Police lieutenant.

“We have been going to it since it started,” Boudinot said of Cops & Kids Day.

“It’s a good opportunity to to meet people in a fantastic atmosphere,” he said.

“It makes us approachable and it’s just fun.”

Johnstown Police officers plan to bring a patrol car and one or two officers.

Pierre La Rose, a crime prevention specialist with the Westerville Police, said Johnstown has attended the event for the past six years.

“In previous years, Johnstown has brought their canine officers and partners,” La Rose said.

“The event is designed to be entertaining for all involved, but also promote positive interaction between the law enforcement community and those we serve.”

Area organizations will also be present during the event, providing various child safety materials and promotional items.

Admission and refreshments are free.

“I don’t know how many hot dogs they must go through,” Boudinot said before laughing.

Additional information about Cops & Kids Day in Westerville can be obtained by sending email to La Rose at pierre.larose@westerville.org; or by calling 614-901-6893.