In recognition of “National Take Your Child to Work Day” on April 24, 2014, the SFPD held an event at the Police Academy. Children from nearby neighborhoods as well as those of employees were welcomed to attend. As many as one hundred kids participated. As a result, the Academy grounds were bustling with big smiles and enthusiastic laughs!
Various units within the Department, such as K-9, were present to showcase their equipment, tactics, and of course police dogs! A tag relay was held in the defensive tactics room. Our master face painter–Lieutenant Dorantes, showed-off her amazing artistic skills! An inflatable bouncy maze kept the kids busily looking for a way out. SWAT officers brought their armored vehicle and the children got to climb aboard. Police motorcycles were lined-up for kids to check-out. K-9 officers showed how friendly police dogs are to good kids! To make sure everyone was properly energized, a continental-style breakfast was served in the morning.
As the day progressed, all the attendees enjoyed a tasty lunch complete with a vegetarian burger option. Department members proudly demonstrated their barbecue skills. Police recruits were also invited to share the food, and to see firsthand how much we value our relationship with children. When the recruits began to march, some of the kids were so enthralled that they too marched along! The day ended with exhausted children ready to take their afternoon naps.
