SOUTH BEND — For the first time, the South Bend Police Department is partnering with Checkers & Rally’s, which is bringing fries on-the-go with its Fry Love Express — a 43-foot trailer that travels around the U.S. — to the department’s third annual School’s Out Cookout.
The cookout takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 20 at Kennedy Park, 2700 Westmoor St.
Checkers & Rally’s saw the department’s flyer for the event and wanted to partner with the department, Sgt. Jarveair Bourn, who helped plan the event, told The Tribune June 18. Checkers & Rallys, which were planning to be in the Michigan area this summer, decided to stop by, he said.
The department’s School’s Out Cookout, returning to Kennedy Park — in the city’s northwest area — invites the community to connect with police officers, city officials and local organizations while celebrating the kids in the area.
Last June, the department offered face painting and debuted its police car bounce house, both of which residents can expect again.
The department will also host a Back-to-School Cookout at the end of summer, which, Bourn said, he plans to hold at a different location and bring the event to different South Bend neighborhoods.
This event is at no cost to the department and tax payers because various sponsors, including Pepsi, Meijer on Portage Road, Martin’s Super Markets, Walmart on Ireland Road, Kreamo Bakery, Heroes Nutrition LLC, Checkers & Rally’s, and Notre Dame Federal Credit Union, donated items and money.
The department purchased 500 hotdogs and 500 hamburgers, Bourn said. The event will have two separate lines: one for hotdogs, burgers, snacks and drinks and the other for Checkers & Rally’s signature seasoned fries.
“Our administration sees the importance of this community outreach — community engagement,” Bourn said. “When an officer encounters someone, it’s probably one of the worst days that they’re having. So, with events like this, it’s reassuring people that officers are not only here to police, but we’re also a part of the community.”
The department, which has a lot of young officers, Bourn said, can connect with the community and build relationships in low stress environments.
Local organizations, including the South Bend Community School Corporation, Notre Dame Federal Credit Union and South Bend’s Venue Parks and Arts, will be present to talk about upcoming events and connect residents to resources they offer.
Community Cookout
What: South Bend Police Department’s School’s Out Cookout
Where: Kennedy Park, 2700 Westmoor St., off Westmoor and Olive streets
When: from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 20
Cost: free
Email Tribune staff writer Camille Sarabia at csarabia@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: South Bend Police join with Checkers & Rally’s for free fries and lunch at summer cookout
Reporting by Camille Sarabia, South Bend Tribune / South Bend Tribune
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