• Ava Ponchzoch, 10, takes aim at a hoop throw hosted by Advocates to End Domestic Violence.
    Ava Ponchzoch, 10, takes aim at a hoop throw hosted by Advocates to End Domestic Violence.
  • Ethne Myler, 10, visits the Food for Thought booth.
    Ethne Myler, 10, visits the Food for Thought booth.
  • Kierstyn Howard tries a puzzle at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada booth.
    Kierstyn Howard tries a puzzle at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada booth.
  • Jodee Brooks checks out the CASA booth with Suzanne Cameron.
    Jodee Brooks checks out the CASA booth with Suzanne Cameron.
  • Asher and Cannon Myler, ages 5 and 7, at the Carson City Library booth.
    Asher and Cannon Myler, ages 5 and 7, at the Carson City Library booth.
  • Rhiley Harper, 2, look at her choices in a game of pickup cups.
    Rhiley Harper, 2, look at her choices in a game of pickup cups.
  • Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong greets kids for the sign-in for prizes at the end of the day.
    Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong greets kids for the sign-in for prizes at the end of the day.
  • Carson City Sheriff's Office Motor Patrol demonstration.
    Carson City Sheriff’s Office Motor Patrol demonstration.
  • Jenna Jacklett, 4, plays one of the games offered indoors.
    Jenna Jacklett, 4, plays one of the games offered indoors.
  • Face painter Emily Fernandez prepares participant Rene with a Spiderman surprise.
    Face painter Emily Fernandez prepares participant Rene with a Spiderman surprise.
  • Deputy Sean Palamar of the K9 unit signs on for the kids.
    Deputy Sean Palamar of the K9 unit signs on for the kids.
  • Zoe Shelton and Jasmine Slater prepare pottery for Carson City's Empty Bowls project.
    Zoe Shelton and Jasmine Slater prepare pottery for Carson City’s Empty Bowls project.
  • Hannah Walker and Grace Nichols with horse Murphy, led by Robert Parker of the Mounted unit. A Carson Now shout out to Jody!
    Hannah Walker and Grace Nichols with horse Murphy, led by Robert Parker of the Mounted unit. A Carson Now shout out to Jody!

After 12 years, the annual Carson City Sheriff’s Office Cops and Kids open house Saturday was among the biggest yet, with dozens of families and hundreds of children taking part in games, contests and information events well into the late morning and into the afternoon.

The popular community event is aimed at children of all ages and their families as a way introduce public safety agencies, especially law enforcement, to them. The event is part family carnival without the rides, and part educational experience, where music, food, contests, songs and dancing are the orders of the day.

Cops and Kids Sheriff’s Open House was started by Sheriff Ken Furlong as part of the community policing efforts implemented by his administration to help build positive relationships between law enforcement, youth and citizens of all ages.

“We started this with the idea that our youth are not familiar with of our officers and we wanted to change that,” said Furlong. “We really wanted to be able to interact with our youth; to give them a sense of belonging. To let them know that this is who we are and that we are there for them. For the kids to be able to meet with our officers in events like this, barriers are broken and a relationships based on trust and confidence are built.”

“Every year it seems more and more families are participating and that’s what we’ve wanted, that parental involvement with the kids and deputies,” said DARE Officer and organizer Lisa Davis. “We’re grateful for everyone who’s volunteered, all the agencies, all with the goal of letting families know we are there for them.”

Local law enforcement represented featured the Nevada Highway Patrol, as well as the sheriff’s office K-9 Unit, Motor Patrol, Mounted Patrol with two horses, Sarge and Murphy led by Robert Parker and Sparks Police Officer Dan Snow, Special Enforcement Team, S.W.A.T., Detectives, Dispatch, CSI Crime Lab, Evidence, Explorers, Detention, Patrol, and DARE.

Local agencies at Saturday’s event included Kiwanis Club of Carson City who grilled up some great hot dogs, Partnership Carson City, Advocates to End Domestic Violence, Boys and Girls Club of Northern Nevada, CASA, The Children’s Museum, Empty Bowls, Food for Thought, United Latino Community, and representatives from the U.S. Marines, Navy, and Army provided games and hands-on activities.

Local businesses partner with Carson City Sheriff’s Office defray costs. Grocery Outlet donated hot dogs, buns and beverages. Kemp’s Fun Jumpers provided the bounce house. Northern Nevada Coin, Manny’s One Stop Shop Automotive Repair, Liz’s Biz, Dan Kimm Rock It Productions, Kiwanis Club, American Family Insurance and Jamba Juice all donated or provided services to help minimize the cost.