Carson City Sheriff's Office to celebrate 15th Cops and Kids open house this Saturday

With public safety, awareness and community at the center, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office will host its 15th annual Cops and Kids Open House this Saturday, May 19 at the sheriff's office administration building.

Continuing its theme of “Cops and Kids: Where the Community and Law Enforcement Come Together,” the popular family and community interactive event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both inside and outside the sheriff's office at 911 East Musser Street.

Cops and Kids Sheriff’s Open House was started by Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong as part of the community policing efforts implemented by his administration and has grown into a highly anticipated community event for children and their families.

“This event is an excellent opportunity to extend and, in some cases even mend, relationships with youth, families, agencies and law enforcement in our community," said Sheriff Furlong. "It is a great time to learn more about our department, and the many community agencies with whom we partner. We welcome everyone and strongly encourage folks to come join the festivities.”

Cops and Kids is a celebration and is designed to be interactive. Officers and agencies have outdone themselves to create new and innovative activities including learning about the fingerprint machine, SWAT, motorcycle patrol, the gang unit task force, the CCSO Special Enforcement Team and K-9.

There will music, free food, face painting, fatal vision goggles, games and crafts of all kinds. The Littlest Things is bringing their petting zoo; a new addition is Handsome Harry, the Mustang Ambassador. The Boys and Girls Club of Western Nevada is bringing water pong and the Carson City Parks and Recreation Department is coming with basketball hoops.

There will be music, face painting, balloons, prizes and surprises. It is also a time to learn about summer safety, crime and substance abuse prevention.

This event models how to treat others: Both people and animals so we can reduce the risk cruelty of any kind both to people and to animals and give everyone a sense of belonging, said CCSO Deputy Lisa Davis, the event coordinator.

“We want everyone to feel included and welcome. This year we are seeing a tremendous energy from group who is participating," said Davis. "This event may be called Cops and Kids but there is something for everyone. If you want a cup of coffee with the Sheriff come on by. Oh, and if you’re hungry, Grocery Outlet and the Kiwanis will feed you, too!”

Cops and Kids sheriff’s Open house started in an effort to give back to the community and is partially funded by Justice Assistance Grant.

It gained so much community support that sponsors stepped in to defray costs. Thank you to our sponsors Grocery Outlet, Kiwanis, Dan Kimm Rock It Productions, the Downtown Carson City Business Association, American Family Insurance, RCM Realty Group, Toiyabe Golf Club, Sun Spot Tanning, Tom Noble Construction Services, ORH LLC, Monarch Direct LLC, Liz’s Biz, Carson Now, and Manny’s One Stop Auto Repair.

Because of their support, more youth and citizens are able to participate. Free hot dogs and beverages are served while supplies last, youth earn prizes by participating in many of the activities, and everyone gets the chance to interact with officers and community agencies.

“This is our 15th year of hosting Cops and Kids and it has been tremendously successful. Interacting with youth and members of the community gives everyone a sense of belonging and ownership both with the sheriff’s office and with the community” said Sheriff Furlong said. “For a young boy or girl to be able to identify with an officer by their first name, barriers are reduced and trust with confidence is built.”

Carson City Sheriff’s Office strides continually to build strong positive bonds between law enforcement, youth and the community. We hope you join us! For more information call Lisa Davis at (775) 283-7809.