By Staff Writer Daniel Locke
HELENAThe Police Department held an open house in conjunction with the Helena Library’s Summer Reading program, providing the city’s youngsters with an opportunity to engage with police and gain a better understanding of their duties.
For Library Director Dan Dearing, a key component of the event was strengthening the relationship between the cops and the youngsters.
According to Dearing, maintaining a safe community depends heavily on people knowing the Police Department. Gaining insight into what they do and who they are in a secure environment helps one understand them better.
The open house was led by Officer Jeff Murphy, who is Helena Intermediate School’s School Resource Officer. Murphy gave the guests a tour of a police cruiser and explained all the problems that the police can assist with. He also explained the tools that officers always carry.
Murphy stated that it is crucial that the police visit with youngsters in a secure environment. We are able to engage with the community, particularly the younger members, and let them know that we are their friends and are available to assist them in any way we can. They understand that we are just regular folks who wish to help others if they get lost or have a difficulty at home.
One of Murphy’s favorite aspects of his work is organizing gatherings like these. He never gets tired of showing off the many pieces of equipment the department has.
“It’s really cool,” Murphy added. Being able to show off what we do for the community, to get to know individuals, and to show them the interesting things we have and the things in the community to better serve and assist them is one of the best things about law enforcement.
In order to educate local youngsters about the value of public safety and the resources available to assist them, the Police Department appreciates collaborating with the Library.
Murphy stated that the Library has been doing this for a number of years. To encourage children to read books, visit the library, and engage with our public safety personnel, they enlist the help of the police and fire departments.
Events like these are made possible by the Library’s close proximity to the Police Department, which facilitates easy cooperation. Dearing is grateful for the many accomplishments the two groups have made together over the years.
Dearing stated that the Helena Police Department’s proximity to the Library is a blessing. The officers, support personnel, and leadership have provided the library with numerous forms of assistance over the years. We anticipate and value the annual program they offer, and we hope it will encourage young people in Helena to volunteer or possibly think about a career in police enforcement.
Positive outcomes can occur when various city departments collaborate for the sake of educating children. That’s what Dearing and Murphy wanted the open house to accomplish.
