Police Officer Guy Angelucci intervenes as K9 Fury attacks Officer Arthur Rucinski during Sunday’s open house at the Warren Police Department. (MITCH HOTTS — THE MACOMB DAILY)
Local families had a chance to peek into the inner workings of the Warren Police Department as the department’s annual open house was held on Sunday.
The police officers, along with the city’s firefighters, public safety support staff, and members of the Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) proved to be hospitable hosts as they manned vehicle displays and made sure attendees had access to swag and free refreshments.
“The police and fire departments are showing residents what they get for their tax dollars,” Councilmember Jonathan Lafferty said while he moseyed around with his 12-year-old daughter Autumn.
More than 2,000 people gathered Sunday afternoon in the plaza and parking lots around 37th District Court and the Warren Police Department for three-hour event, which featured a variety of demonstrations by police officers and firefighters in Macomb County’s largest community.
The event also had emergency vehicles from various public safety agencies, a free hot dog lunch with ice cream, vendors, and a chance to meet firefighters and police in person in a non-threatening situation.
The parking lot along Common Road was filled with various Warren SWAT vehicles, fire trucks, tow trucks and the Michigan State Police bomb squad and mobile command center, placed near the bounce house and other fun activities.
Several tables of goods such as free gun safety locks, child safety ID kits and children’s bicycle helmets were provided while supplies last
Cheryl Goodwin of Harrison Township was with two young children, grandchildren of her boyfriend whose upside-down plastic fire helmets resembled Halloween gift bags filled with snacks and promotional items.
“I think this is great,” Goodwin said. “The kids get experience and inspiration for their future. You never know, one day they could become police officers and firemen and EMS people. They loved seeing the (Macomb County) horses and dogs. They were able to sit on a motorcycle and wave runners, so they’ve had fun.”
Fun combined with a safety message was what Police Commissioner William Dwyer had in mind.
“This is all about families and it gives us the opportunity to connect with our residents and young people of the community,” he said. “Law enforcement is a tough job, but our men and women are committed and dedicated professionals. We want our young people to know police officers can be their friends, too.”
One of the more popular demonstrations was the police department’s K9 teams, which performed scent tracking and attacks on officers wearing padded suits.
They included officers Arthur Rucinski and his dog Fury, Brendan Fraser and his animal Argo, Todd Benczowski with Alfa, and Guy Angelucci with Astra.
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