What is fast becoming a popular event for the Greensboro Police Department was held for the second year at Robinson Park behind the department’s headquarters on Siloam Street.
According to the department, the “Spring Fling” is an event the whole department participates in to foster goodwill and encourage community interaction with the force by meeting those who serve the city.
Complete with games for the kids, hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken and an assortment of snacks and cold drinks, the event attracted a steady crowd throughout the afternoon for both children and adults.
There was a DJ, a bouncy house and the health department was on hand for anyone needing a COVID vaccine or booster.
Two K-9 officers – a scent-tracking coonhound and a drug-seeking shepherd – were featured in the afternoon and demonstrated their abilities with their handlers, Officers Anna Stinson and Matt Cowdrey.
Police Chief Rodricus Monford narrated the skillsets each dog had and the benefits they bring to community law enforcement in narcotics and evidence searches, tracking dangerous criminals and aiding in search and rescue missions.
Assistant Chief of Police Tommy Nelson stressed the importance of such events for cities.
“The Spring Fling is designed to bring together, one-on-one, law enforcement personnel with members of the community to engage in a fun activity and as a way to get to know the department,” he said. “It also serves to engage positive reinforcement with school-age children in the community. It really goes a long way.”
The event is supported by donations from area businesses and individuals. Two HP laptops were given away to any recent graduating senior who best guessed how many gum balls were in a jar.
The prize went to recent Greene County High School graduate Michael Nesbit, whose future plans include the trucking industry.
Similar raffle games were held for donated bikes at the event.
Sgt. Detective Aurelsis Perkins feels the event best demonstrates the commitment to serving the public.
“It is a nice way to unite our staff with the citizens and find common ground,” he said. “By getting to know us, and us, them, we can better communicate broad measures in the department. It is also a nice opportunity for new officers to be introduced.”