Fun Time At Cops & Pops

By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

It was a wet and wild time on Wednesday afternoon, July 13, in the common area at Mesquite Bluffs apartments. Officers and other personnel from the Mesquite Police Department (MPD), along with a handful of police volunteers, participated in a very interactive water fight with the local kids from the apartment complex.

This was the kick-off of the second year for the Summer Cops and Pops Outreach program. Cops and Pops was conceived by MPD Chief MaQuade Chesley as a way to have police officers interact with the local children in a fun and friendly way to help alleviate any fears the children may have of police.

“We have other events like family night out and such,” said MPD Public Information Officer Wyatt Oliver. “But this is so great because we come to them. No one has to drive anywhere, or have parking problems. And the kids are in a familiar area.”

The program surely seems to work. Everyone, both young and old, was having a great time. It was hard to tell just who was enjoying it more: the kids from the complex or the big kids dressed in Blue.

The police department brings water guns and plenty of water balloons. They also have wading pools filled with water and keep the ammunition stocked: little water balloons for the younger kids and larger ones for the older kids.

The weather was well into triple digits on Wednesday, so getting bombed with water felt pretty good.
Of course, the freezer pop treats were also a big hit with everyone. The police department even bring chairs for parents to sit and watch the fun if they choose to. Everyone is welcome to engage.

All the officers participating agreed this cops & Pops is one of the coolest and most valuable outreach programs they do.

The next scheduled Cops and Pops will be at Summer Wind Apartment Complex on July 27 at 3 pm. Mark your calendar. The kids won’t want to miss the fun.