Happenings in the Community and the Perris Station
In the past, I have written about volunteering, and becoming involved in the community. This month, I would like to share with you a couple of exciting things that impact our communities serviced by the Perris Station. The first is a new addition to services provided out of the Perris Station; the second is an invitation to participate in a community event.
Mounted Posse
Sometimes the obvious just isn’t so obvious, right?
Over the past several years, the Perris Station has called upon other Sheriff’s Stations for assistance from their established Mounted Posse for parades, high-visibility holiday patrol in the shopping centers, community events, search and rescue, etc. The Posse members, all volunteers, were always willing to “come out and play” with us, and proved to be well accepted by the community.
Perris’ first Posse: From left to right are Linda Hughes, Tom Hughes, Shannon Rolland, and Susie Ferguson.
Photo by Tina Frey.
Interestingly, several of the Posse members live in the area served by our station; however, they volunteered out of other Sheriff’s Stations. If there has been consideration in the past to form our own Posse, it never materialized. Recently, I was approached by some very enthusiastic members of our community who appropriately pointed out that there was a need and a desire for a localized Posse. The obvious part is that some of our local residents serving as Posse members could be the impetus for our own Posse, and serve their own community. More importantly, I found that a couple employees at the Perris Station were interested in getting this moving. In short order, the Perris Station now has its very own Posse.
Beyond Neighborhood Watch, Citizen’s Patrol, Crime Watch, etc., the Perris Posse offers another opportunity for you to get involved and volunteer, especially if you are a horse enthusiast. For further information about the Perris Posse, please contact Sergeant Al Barker at (951)210-1000.
National Night Out
This year, all across the United States, members from our communities and individual neighborhoods will come together as they have for the past 26 years to take a stance against crime. The purpose for National Night Out is to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and, send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Additionally, it is an opportunity for you to be active in your community, meet your neighbors, and forge positive and cooperative relationships.
Although the official National Night Out is scheduled for Tuesday, August 3, 2010, the Perris Station, as in years past, will be hosting an event on Saturday, July 31st, 2010, that is open to all of the communities we serve. This year, the event will take place in front of the Perris City Hall located at 101 N. D Street, Perris, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. There will be a number of displays, demonstrations, and games for you to enjoy. I’m sure you will even have an opportunity to dunk an officer in the dunk tank.
Be safe!
James P. McElvain
Chief of Police