Police Pictures is hosting the fourth annual First Responder Trunk-or-Treat – Morning Journal on October 19th

The fourth annual First Responder Trunk-or-Treat event was hosted by Wellington-based non-profit organization Police Pictures for Amherst and surrounding communities on October 19 at Steele High.

The Trunk-or-Treat event featured over 30 law enforcement and first responder agencies from Lorain County and neighboring counties.

“It’s just fun to bring both our police officers and other first responders together with the community and show them that they are human beings just like everyone else,” said Josh Kelly, CEO and founder of Police Pictures.

“It really shows that we can also get involved in the community and do good things that really create a connection.”

Police Pictures welcomed guests to the event with goodie bags containing various treats, such as bags of popcorn, and guests had the opportunity to visit any agency for candy or the Hot Dog Heaven truck for food.

According to Kelly, police departments represented include Amherst, Vermilion, Wellington, Perkins Township, Oberlin, Elyria, Avon, Avon Lake, Sheffield Village, Grafton, North Ridgeville, LaGrange, Kipton and many more.

Other agencies, some from Cuyahoga County, offering treats include LifeCare, Amherst Fire Department, Lorain County 911 Dispatch, Ohio Division of Wildlife, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Lorain County Sheriff’s Office.

“We have all but one or two law enforcement agencies here in Lorain County,” Kelly said.

“I would say it’s definitely grown.”

Kelly said the organization worked closely with the Amherst Police Department and Chief Mark Cawthon to make the event a success.

Cawthon said the department feels fortunate to have had this opportunity and the event supports the Amherst Police Department’s mission of building a positive connection with individuals in the community.

“We’re very focused on community engagement here and that’s one aspect,” Cawthon said.

“It’s a good opportunity for everyone to see us and interact with us in a positive way.”

According to Kelly, the intent of trunk-or-treat is to bridge the gap between communities and their first responders and show that not all interactions have to occur under negative circumstances.

Comparing to Police Pictures’ mission, the event helps raise awareness about humanizing law enforcement officers of all types.

“We think it’s special that the organization is helping to close this gap in Lorain County,” Kelly said.

“I can’t say enough positive things about it, it’s a great day,” Cawthon added.

For more information about Police Pictures, visit Policepictures.org.