Children see fun side of law enforcement

Children and parents filled the street in front of the Carson City Sheriff's Office for the sixth annual Cops & Kids Safe Streets event and open house on Saturday.

The officers brought out lots for the kids to see, from horses and police dogs, to their SWAT team weapons and tools.

"It's going very, very well," said Sheriff Kenny Furlong. "The kids get a chance to see everything."

Free jumbo hot dogs were handed out, compliments of Grocery Outlet. After going through 1,200 hot dogs last year and running out before the event was over, volunteers cooked up 1,500 this time.

There also were many fun activities for the children " a bounce house, a pool to make bubbles, and a dunk tank.

Besides the fun and games, there also were booths set up for several agencies and support organizations, such as Carson City Parks & Rec and University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.

"We just love this community, and Ron Wood Family Resource Center is a great resource for folks, and we wanted to give back and tell the kids how much this community loves them," said Joyce Buckingham, the organization's executive director, as she stood behind a table full of games, toys and candy donated by Wal-Mart and the Northern Nevada Food Bank. "I think it's important the kids know that law enforcement is approachable, and all of us can come out and have a great time with the family."

Sheriff Furlong said it is important for children and officers get to know one another.

"One of the things we try to do is get the kids in town to know a policeman," Furlong said. "We want to get out here, have fun with the kids, and show them we aren't the bad guys, they aren't bad kids. It's a double-relationship building. The kids, often all they see is the cops doing some mean things. That is their point of view. Events like this change that attitude, turns it."