Behind the Badge
Children of all ages, with their parents and community members, gathered in a bigger crowd than last year to enjoy the National Night Out with the Westminster Police Department on Aug. 1 in the Target parking lot on Beach Boulevard.
City departments and businesses set up booths where people could learn more about those who keep them safe, answer questions and show their support of the Westminster Police Department. Businesses including Chick-fil-a, Raising Cane’s, Howards, Home Depot and others were present to show their support, along with giving away prizes, food, and providing projects for children to enjoy.
Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) attended National Night Out to provide information about their organization, as well as to support the police department and the community.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
Police Services Officer Monique Pena was in charge of planning both last year’s and this year’s National Night Out events. She said while it is stressful putting the events together, it is worth it in the end to see so many people show up and enjoy the festivities.
Ken Deagle, a Westminster police volunteer, and animal control representatives answered questions about laws concerning animals and about Deagle’s daily routine at the department.
“This event is great to allow more openness with the community so people can see what the police department does. They’re a family,” Deagle said.
Children of all ages with their parents, and community members, gathered to enjoy National Night Out with the Westminster Police Department in the Target parking lot on Beach Boulevard.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
Happy Hooves was in attendance, letting children get in their pop-up petting zoo to enjoy and learn more about their animals. Children could pet a mother goat and her three babies, a few rabbits and chickens, and a piglet. Happy Hooves also brought two horses for children to ride in the parking lot.
Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) also attended to provide information about their organization. BACA member Lil Trout said they were there to support the police department and the community as well as raise awareness about their organization. They applied temporary tattoos to community members at their popular booth.
Home Depot had a booth during the National Night Out event in Westminster on Aug. 1.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
Chief of Police Darin Lenyi said National Night Out is a great way to connect with the community and for the police department to come face-to-face with community members in a friendly setting. Lenyi’s only request of community members and the police officers who attend National Night Out is to have a good time and increase their understanding of one another.
“This is the best police department to work with,” said Westminster School District Superintendent Gunn Marie Hansen.
Westminster School Board member Frances Nguyen said her favorite part of National Night Out is seeing the community come together to have fun and get to know their local police department, firefighters, and businesses.
Children could get their faces painted during the annual community event National Night Out in the City of Westminster.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
The Kona Ice truck visited National Night Out in Westminster and provided a cold treat to community members. Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
BeWell OC attends National Night Out in Westminster with their signature blue truck.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
Kids filled their fire hats with free goodies during the Westminster National Night Out event.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
Community members enjoy a cold treat at the Kona Ice truck during National Night Out in Westminster.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
Families enjoyed games in the Target parking lot during the City of Westminster’s National Night Out.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
A Westminster resident checks out a Harley-Davidson motorcycle during National Night Out with the Westminster Police Department on Aug. 1.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
Happy Hooves allowed children into their pop-up petting zoo to enjoy and learn more about their animals. Children could pet a mother goat and her three babies, a few rabbits and chickens, and a piglet. Happy Hooves also brought two horses for children to ride in the parking lot.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
Residents visit the Westminster Police Department’s booth during National Night Out in the Target parking lot on Aug. 1.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
Community members pose with an Orange County Fire Authority fire engine during the Westminster Police Department’s National Night Out.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
Happy Hooves brought two horses for children to ride in the Target parking lot during National Night Out with the Westminster Police Department.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
Community members explore an Orange County Fire Authority fire engine during the Westminster Police Department’s National Night Out.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
National Night Out provides an opportunity for residents, public safety personnel, businesses, and community leaders to come together and unite against crime.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
The UPS Store was one of many businesses and organizations participating in Westminster Police Department’s National Night Out on Aug. 1.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
The City of Westminster’s Public Works Department spoke to residents and had signs on display for children to see up close during the Westminster Police Department’s National Night Out event in August.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
Community members check out the inside of a police vehicle during the Westminster Police Department’s National Night Out event.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
The Westminster School District had a booth during the Westminster Police Department’s National Night Out event on Aug. 1.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
The Westminster School District handed out goodies to community members during the Westminster Police Department’s National Night Out.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
Raising Cane’s restaurant handed out goodies to community members during National Night Out in the Target parking lot in Westminster.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
Community organizations and businesses greet residents during Westminster Police Department’s National Night Out on Aug. 1.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
A group of girls pose for a photo during the Westminster Police Department’s National Night Out in the Target parking lot.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
A girl reaches for a bean bag during a game at Westminster Police Department’s National Night Out.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
Kids had their faces painted during Westminster Police Department’s National Night Out in the Target parking lot on Aug. 1.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
Kids check out their fresh face painting during Westminster Police Department’s National Night Out event, held the first Tuesday of every August.
Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
Happy Hooves brought two horses for children to ride in the Target parking lot during National Night Out with the Westminster Police Department. Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
Happy Hooves brought two horses for children to ride in the Target parking lot during National Night Out with the Westminster Police Department. Photo by Michael Goulding/for Behind the Badge
