PARKVILLE, Mo. — Police agencies from across the Northland attended the Northland Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Saturday, May 20 at English Landing Park.
The free event was held at the end of National Police Week, which started Monday, May 15 with National Peace Officers Memorial Day. President John F. Kennedy proclaimed the day for law enforcement in 1962.
The day was meant to be an opportunity for citizens and law enforcement to interact in a positive way while enjoying activities.
More than 30 agencies including the Platte County and Clay County sheriff’s offices as well as city police departments from Platte City, Parkville, Riverside, Smithville, Kearney, Kansas City, Kansas City International Airport and Ferrelview attended the event to meet with the public.
Other emergency agencies were also in attendance, including the Northland Regional Ambulance District.
Rain on Friday put the event into question, but the weather cleared off in the afternoon allowing for hundreds to pass through the park to take advantage of the unique opportunity to interact with so many different law enforcement agencies.
While the event was held to show appreciation for local police, sheriff and emergency departments, it was also to help educate the public. Simulations were held to show the importance of wearing a seat belt while in a vehicle and severe weather preparedness.
Kids were able to enjoy looking at the police cars lined up as they entered the park as well as take part in a bicycle rodeo and a mini driving course utilizing pedal cars. A Child ID program was also available as well as departments showcasing their police equipment, special operations vehicles and mobile command posts.
A memorial was also on display to remember those officers that have fallen in the line of duty.