Behind the Badge
Lizbeth Carman, a Westminster resident, was one of about 200 parents and children who spent part of their President’s Day holiday enjoying Chick-fil-A, crafts, and games while mingling with police officers at Sigler Park on Feb. 12.
“It’s to have quality time with family,” said Carman (in Spanish), who takes classes through the Westminster Family Resource Center (FRC), which is located at the park.
Volunteers from Fountain Valley High School hand out lunch and bottled water as Westminster PD and Chick-fil-A team up for a Family Fun Day/food distribution event at Sigler Park in Westminster.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The event was a joint effort between the FRC – a collaborative partnership of community organizations that work together to support local families – the Westminster Police Department, and Chick-fil-A Beach Blvd. in Westminster. The effort began the first week of December with the restaurant’s Do Good December event in which Fountain Valley High School business academy students, along with the local restaurant, sold meals to donate to needy families. Every meal sold was matched by Chick-fil-A Beach Blvd. As a result, a total of 500 meals are being distributed to families invited by the FRC. The Feb. 12 event is the first of a two-day distribution. The second date hasn’t been set yet.
Westminster Police Chief Ralph Ornelas greets 4-year-old Daniel Estrada. Behind them, center, is Daniel’s brother, Omar.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
“This is just another way for the police to do some positive outreach in the community,” Commander Mark Lauderback said, adding that it’s also a chance to help those who are less fortunate, as well as a way to partner with other organizations in the community.
FRC Supervisor Gina Nunes said because there was no school in honor of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, it was a great opportunity to invite families to the park for an afternoon of food and fun. She said some of these families rely on school meal programs to feed their kids and days when there is no school can present a challenge.
“It’s also a place where they can come and enjoy their family,” she said.
Volunteers from Fountain Valley High School gather with Westminster Police Chief Ralph Ornelas, Commander Mark Lauderback, and Officer Matt Edinger as Westminster PD and Chick-fil-A team up for Family Fun Day.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Chana Warnock, director of marketing and community relations at Chick-fil-A Beach Blvd., said each donated meal included a bottled water, a chicken sandwich, chips, and chocolate chip cookie. She said the restaurant and the WPD often collaborate for these kinds of community events.
“It’s good for the community,” Warnock said. “I think it’s a positive for everybody.”
Westminster PD Officer Matt Edinger kneels down to talk to 4-year-old Jaden Alvarez.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Kids from the Boys & Girls Club of Westminster gather with Westminster Police Chief Ralph Ornelas, Commander Mark Lauderback, Officer Matt Edinger, and representatives from Chick-fil-A.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Westminster Police Chief Ralph Ornelas gets a high-five from a volunteer from Fountain Valley High School.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Westminster Police Department Commander Mark Lauderback talks with families during Family Fun Day.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
