Parents and their children again got a chance to see the public servants who protect the community when The Society of the Four Arts again invited families to its Preschool Story Time Police Day on April 16.
The event allowed kids to meet Palm Beach police officers and see all-terrain vehicles, police motorcycles and a drone up close.
During the program, which drew 126 children age 4 or younger and 139 adults, police officers read books to the kids.
Cory Metelsky read “Police Officers on Patrol,” by Kersten Hamilton; Ryan Burgoon read “Police Cars,” by Allan Morey; Frances Caro read “All About Police Officers,” by Mari Schuh; and Emily Pelayo read “Police Safety and Me,” by Claudia Wolf.
Between book readings, everyone sang songs, including one about how to dial 9-1-1 to get help during an emergency. As officers walked around with a cell phone poster, preschoolers practiced dialing 9-1-1.
After the readings, officers and Children’s Library staff gave each preschooler a pre-stuffed bag that included a police vest, from the library. The bags also contained, a copy of “Police Safety and Me,” an activity book, key chain, and other items all provided by Palm Beach Police.
The Palm Beach Police & Fire Foundation provided popsicles and water.
Officers then helped preschoolers put on their vests and badges in the gardens before everyone headed to the police vehicles parked on the Four Arts Mall.
“What a sight that was!” Children’s Librarian Samantha Merigold said. “Preschoolers, and the adults, had an absolute blast visiting each vehicle and its accompanying officer. The drone also amazed the crowd.”
Merigold said all of the officers did a great job interacting with the children and their caregivers.
“The sharing of their time and expertise … has definitely inspired a few future police officers or community helpers.”
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Police Day at The Four Arts focuses on reading, fun and safety
Reporting by Palm Beach Daily News / Palm Beach Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
