HARRISBURG, Pa. — With Fourth of July celebrations right around the corner, the Harrisburg Police rolled out the grill to enjoy a summer cookout.
“In the midst of some of this violence that’s going on, there are a whole lot of other things going on that’s for the good," said Captain Russell Winder.
On Saturday, officers with Harrisburg’s Community Policing Unit invited families to Sunshine Park for a community cookout. The event is part of a summer long series of pop-up events meant to build bridges between the police and the people they serve.
“We got to be able to sit down; we got to be able to talk about it; we got to be able to actively listen and understand," said Captain Winder.
Police and volunteers with the nonprofit Blessed 2 Give spent the afternoon serving burgers and hotdogs to children of all ages. Organizers said these events allow kids to develop a positive relationship with the police from an early age.
“I think it’s important for the kids to see the police in a positive limelight, and I think it’s important for them to see them in a fun environment," said Carla Hill, the founder of Blessed 2 Give. "There’s no drama, there’s no fights, there’s no nothing.”
By sitting down and breaking bread, officers hope to continue building on the trust they have in Harrisburg.
"People keep emailing me, calling me, and texting me to tell me they love the fact that the officers are out there," said Captain Winder. "They love the fact that the officers are doing things in a far different capacity."