Safety picnic introduces Valley first responders, residents

POLAND -- In older movies, the neighborhood policeman walked his beat and knew the names of local residents and small business owners.

Poland Township police Chief Greg Wilson aimed to create that familiarity between the people who protect the area and those who live there with a Safety Forces Appreciation Picnic, which took place Saturday at Poland Township Park.

"Four years ago, when I became chief, I decided that I wanted to build a relationship with our community," Wilson said.

The Poland Township and Poland Village Police Departments, Western Reserve Joint Fire District, Mahoning County Dive team and Mahoning Valley Crisis Response Team attended the picnic and while standing near their vehicles, they answered questions from the public and encouraged them to view the inside of a firetruck, police car or other safety force transportation vehicles.

"Often when people meet us for the first time it is in a stressful situation, like a domestic violence issue or a burglary. This is a much more relaxed way to meet our department," Wilson said.

Activities at the picnic also included a bounce house, swing set and sandbox for children as well as the opening of the storybook trail, which has permanent plaques citing the history of Poland. Adults could play bocce.

"We wanted to do something for America's 250th celebration," said Laurie Fox, president of the Poland Historical Society about the trail. Park Director Ken Filicky and his summer staff installed the 18- by 24-inch plaques, which span a half-mile, but there are plans to expand upon them in the future.

A scavenger hunt, which revolved around e-bike safety, occurred. Upon completion of the course, guests' names were put in a drawing for a gift card.

Brittany Kohn of Poland and a recent graduate of the Poland Township Police District Citizens Police Academy, handed out scavenger hunt cards.

"After learning more about the police department and what they do, I wanted to help in any way I could," Kohn said.

She wore a T-shirt that she designed for the event with bulldog images and "Poland has your back" on the front and "One Community. One Team" on the back.

"The Poland Township Police District Citizens Academy was created to strengthen the relationship between the police department and the community, giving residents a firsthand look at modern policing," Wilson said.

The program educates the academy members about challenges, decision making and responsibilities police officers have daily and to build trust, partnerships and transparency.

Free food and drinks were available at the picnic thanks to sponsors. One of the sponsors was the Poland Knights of Columbus.

"Before, we cooked the hot dogs, but the Knights offered to do it this year," Wilson said.

The safety forces also provided free chips while another sponsor, Mission BBQ, provided free sliders.

Food trucks also were on site to provide more choices for the picnic attendees.

Bill Sovik of Poland, also a graduate of the Poland Township Police District Citizens Police Academy, enjoyed a hot dog in the pavilion wearing his academy shirt. His wife Katherine noted that they moved from Santa Monica, California, to her husband's hometown in 1970 and she did not even know the township park existed. She said they will have to return there.

Wilson's goal of community engagement is already having success. Audrey and Luke Gale of Poland came to the event with their son, Dean, 3. As he played in the sandbox, he proudly wore his fireman hat.

"He loves firetrucks," said his mom. When they visited the firetruck, Dean knew the names of the dials on the vehicle's instrument panel.

Both parents agreed their son could be a future member of the safety forces and be part of this picnic one day.