By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
There was no shortage of food or smiles during the Hays Police Department's Community Night Out at the Hays Aquatic Park Thursday as officers served up hamburgers and hot dogs while participants enjoyed free swimming.
"I think it's great," said Hays city commission Shaun Musil. "For me, it's just appreciating the police officers for what they do for us.
"It's always a good time and brings our community together, and if I can be there to support them, I always will be."
While he and the crowd enjoyed the food and festivities provided by the officers, Hays Police Department chief Don Scheibler said it is a way for the department to show their appreciation of community support.
"It's an opportunity for the officers to give back to the community a little bit," he said.
This year's event was the fifth annual Scheibler said.
"We truly appreciate the support that we get every year from the community, and this is an opportunity to give back a little bit," he said. "I always tell our people that we're for the community, not because of the community."
He said his officers, "take that to heart."
City commissioner Ron Mellick said the event can help children connect with law enforcement in a positive way.
"With everything happening around the nation, it's good to show people that policemen - their families are down here, their kids are down here - they're just like everybody else," Mellick said. "They are just doing their job and what more could you ask for.
"This is great to get the whole community together. More than anything, it is for the kids to see that the policemen are really friendly. They're on your side."
