By Sarah Cook

The Selma Times-Journal

 

A sea of children and parents flooded Bloch Park as the Selma Police Department hosted Cops n’ Kids and Police Assisting School Supplies.

Free sacks of school supplies, including notebooks, paper, and pencils, were given to each child.

Selma Chief of Police William T. Riley said this is the third year the police department has put on a program like this.

“With budget cuts over the past several years and the economy being bad, it’s been tough for children to get these supplies,” Riley said.

Supplies were donated mostly from local businesses and state legislatures.

Along with free school supplies, children also enjoyed free food and entertainment, as the Selma Fire Department brought “the fire safety house,” a large inflatable, which included a bounce section and slide.

“I think this is a pretty awesome day,” said Keshron Dallas, local Selma citizen. “This is my first time coming and I’m actually enjoying myself. I give it two thumps up.”

Riley said another aim of the day is to allow children and parents to see that police officers can be their friends too.

“Not only children, but adults as well can see that we don’t just come give you a ticket or come lock you up,” Riley said. “There’s a different kind of side, there’s a community side that they can say ‘hey they aren’t that bad, look what they do every year.”

Christmas Green, a PAL Center volunteer, said the event is always a success.

“Usually they do this every year and it’s a good way for kids who maybe can’t afford it to get free school supplies,” Green said. “They come out and have fun and interact with the officers so they know that they aren’t bad people to be afraid of too.”

Judging by the many smiles on children’s faces, Riley thought the day was a success.

“We’re here to serve and protect, but we’re also here to give back,” Riley said.