East Lansing, Mich. — The East Lansing Police Department (ELPD) partnered with the East Lansing Library for a heartwarming community event aimed at building positive relationships with local children and their families. The Paint with Police event, held on Saturday, provided an opportunity for young residents to interact with officers in a fun and engaging way.
During the event, children were invited to decorate a police car, an activity that allowed them to express their creativity while engaging with law enforcement in a non-threatening environment. The event also featured an opportunity for attendees to meet Silas, ELPD’s new comfort community K-9, who was on hand to interact with kids and bring smiles to their faces. Officers also took part in a special storytime session, reading to the young crowd in a relaxed and friendly setting.
Lt. Adrian Ojerio of the East Lansing Police Department expressed his appreciation for the event, calling it a valuable opportunity for both children and their parents to meet local law enforcement officers in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to engage with the community,” Lt. Ojerio said. “That positive interaction that I personally have with the community is really fulfilling. It’s why I signed up to do law enforcement. So again, it brings a lot of smiles, not only to the community but to me personally.”
The Paint with Police event served as a reminder of the importance of fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Through such events, officers are able to break down barriers and create lasting connections with residents, making neighborhoods safer and stronger.
