Police Department Thanks Community with Free Picnic

Police cars, a climbing wall, horses -- this year's community picnic by the West Des Moines Police Department will entertain kids as officers thank parents for their support throughout the year.

The department will hold its annual Police Week Picnic from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 16, as part of National Police Week celebrations, according to a news release. The community picnic will offer displays, free food, games and more at the West Des Moines law enforcement center, 250 Mills Civic Parkway.

Activities planned include a giveaway of free child bicycle helmets, jump house, climbing wall, Shriners' clowns, and emergency vehicles on display. Attending will be West Des Moines Fire and Emergency Medical Services, the West Des Moines Police Deaprtment Honor Guard, MacKenzie Highlander Bagpipers, the state bomb truck, and the Des Moines Police Department mounted patrol.

National Police Week runs from May 12 to May 18 and the picnic is the department’s way of remembering the officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, said West Des Moines Police Lt. Jim Barrett. It is also a way for the department to thank the citizens of West Des Moines for their continued support for public safety, he said in the news release.

The event starts at 5 p.m. with an opening ceremony and then there will food, displays and other activities that run until 8 p.m.

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