As part of an effort to be more proactive in the community, the Ketchum Police Department has organized Hemingway Police Field Day for today, weather permitting, at Hemingway Elementary School.
Ketchum Police Chief Steve Harkins said the event is intended to help children become more familiar and comfortable with police. Emergency equipment, such as patrol cars, patrol boats and various search-and-rescue vehicles, will be on hand for children to explore. Officers will discuss neighborhood safety, school safety, water safety and other topics.
Also participating in the event will be the Sun Valley Police Department and Blaine County Search and Rescue. A featured guest will be K-9 Officer Dax, the Sun Valley Police Department's scent-detection German shepherd.
"This program is just the beginning," Harkins said. "We hope this will give the children, parents and teachers the opportunity to get to know their local law enforcement."
Up next is a Ketchum-police-organized Bike Safety Rodeo, scheduled for Saturday, May 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the south parking lot of the Wood River Community YMCA. The event will focus on bike safety and is free to the public.
Also participating in the event is the YMCA, Blaine County Recreation District, the Wood River Bike Coalition and the Idaho Transportation Department.
"We will offer helmet fitting, a bike safety check, riding skills stations and an on-road safety training," Harkins said. "There will be a bicycle obstacle course for the kids to challenge their parents and friends. Healthy snacks will be provided."
Harkins said the police department has a limited number of bicycle safety helmets to give away to those who can't afford them.
For more information, contact Ketchum police at 726-7819.
Terry Smith: tsmith@mtexpress.com
Steve Harkins
