Event brings police, community together for fun in the park

Rochester Police Chief Andy Shotts announces that the Police in the Park event is returning after a 5-year hiatus.

Families will be able to interact with officers of the Rochester Police Department during the event from 4-6 p.m. Saturday at Rochester City Park. A damaging straight line wind event in 2019, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic, kept the event from being held since 2018. 

"It's going to be a little different this year," Shotts said of the event. "In previous years, we would have Police in the Park in the evening and then we'd show a movie on the softball field. The company that we utilized that for, they don't really offer that service anymore."

Instead, the department this year sponsors a showing of "The Sandlot" at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Times Theater. 

"It's going to be free admission, free popcorn," Shotts said. "We just want to spread the word and invite everyone that we possibly can to have a great event." 

As in years past, Mill Creek Church has partnered with the police department to provide hot dogs, snacks and water free of charge at the park event. Additionally, there is a police dog demonstration at 5 p.m. at the basketball court.

"We're going to have the fire department there with a fire truck, and I've contacted Sheriff (Travis) Heishman. He's going to have a tent set up and some deputies there," Shotts said. "We've gotten with Fulton County Animal Shelter, and they're going to be there with an adoption event. I figured as many people as we can partner with, they can spread the word, help us advertise and get a lot of people there." 

Shotts encourages anyone with questions, comments or concerns about how the police department operates to attend. 

"If you've got questions about what we do, or why we do things, we'll be happy to answer those," he said. "If you have problems in your neighborhood, come talk to us. We'll do what we can."

He adds that the park event also provides children an opportunity for positive interactions with police officers, with coloring books, bracelets and more to be given out.

"We've got a great community that really supports the police department and all first responders," Shotts said. "We're very thankful of that, the benefits of living in a small town. We just want to show our appreciation to the community and kind of let them know, 'Hey, we're here for you. Come hang out with us. We're just regular guys.'"