By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
LINCOLN PARK – For the third year in a row the city’s police department and Neighborhood Watch program will get together with residents in an old-fashioned community picnic.
From noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 21, the public is welcome at the Community Oriented Policing Services – COPS – Care picnic at Youth Center Park, 3525 Dix Highway. On tap will be hot dogs and chips, games and more as the public safety staff reaches out to the community.
“It’s been excellent, and the turnout gets better each year,” Deputy Chief Joe Lavis said. “These officers volunteer their time to work the grill and fundraise for the event.”
All attendees will be entered into a bicycle raffle, Lavis said, at an event made possible with local partners including Baker Gas and the Chapatwala Family McDonald’s.
Lavis said the annual picnic is part of an ongoing effort to boost police public relations in the community. The department recently appointed Sgt. Jeff Mueller as community policing liaison, and upcoming events include a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 30 at Lincoln Park Skating Center, 1419 Southfield Road.
“We’ve done the blood drive for over 15 years,” Lavis said.
Other community relations events include the annual Shop With a Cop in partnership with Lincoln Park Goodfellows, and the Secret Santa programs with local schools.
For information about the picnic contact the Police Department at 313-381-1800.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected])