Parsons Police Department Celebrates Successful 4th Annual Public Safety Fair

The Parsons Police Department proudly hosted its 4th Annual Public Safety Fair on Saturday, October 19th, drawing over 600 enthusiastic citizens to the event held in front of the police station. More than 15 first responder agencies and community groups participated, including the Parsons Fire Department, Labette EMS, Labette Mental Health, and other nonprofit organizations, transforming Central Avenue into a lively, informative gathering space.

"This was the biggest and best-attended public safety fair that we have held so far," said Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks. "Seeing the community come together for safety and education was inspiring."

Free hot dogs and child ID kits were distributed, while the Parsons Police K-9 unit wowed the crowd with a thrilling demonstration by K9 Morgan and her Handler Sgt. Christian Smith. In a highly anticipated moment, Officer Tyller White volunteered to showcase the effects of the police taser in a controlled demonstration, giving attendees a firsthand look at the device in action.

Officer Mark Raney, the agency's Community Policing Manager, noted, "This was our first outdoor fair, and it felt much more like a street fair. By closing Central Avenue, we had plenty of space for static displays of police cars, UTVs, ambulances, and fire trucks, which gave citizens a hands-on experience."

Throughout the event, attendees received important safety materials, including coloring books for kids, fraud prevention resources, Child ID kits and domestic violence information. One of the fair's more poignant exhibits was the unveiling of the department's Silent Witness display, featuring life-sized cutouts sharing the personal stories of nearly two dozen domestic violence homicide victims from the past 20 years in Southeast Kansas. This emotional tribute highlighted the department's commitment to addressing domestic violence, an issue of growing concern.

"The Silent Witness display is an emotional experience," said Deputy Chief Dennis Dodd. "I saw many people stop to read about these victims, and it was heartbreaking discussing these tragedies with our citizens."

Detective Sergeant Tony Adams and Victim Advocate Cyprus Jones, who led the newly launched Domestic Violence Unit, were present to talk with attendees and answer questions about domestic violence prevention and resources. The unit was formed on September 1st to strengthen enforcement efforts and ensure victim safety remains a priority for Parsons PD. The unit is funded by a new two-year state grant.

One of the more lighthearted yet impactful exhibits allowed children and adults to ride pedal cars while wearing drunk driving goggles, simulating impaired vision and highlighting the dangers of driving under the influence. "With the holiday season upon us, this was a great experience for people to see how difficult and dangerous impaired driving can be," said Lieutenant Kyle Wiford.

The Parsons Police Department thanks everyone who attended and participated in making this year's Public Safety Fair a resounding success. The department looks forward to continuing to strengthen relationships with the community as the agency embraces effective, empathic and just policing through events like this.

For more information about the Parsons Police Department, visit our website at www.parsonspdks.gov. 

2024 Parsons Public Safety Fair - Debut of Silent Witness Display identifying murder victims of domestic violence in Parsons over the past 20 years.

 

2024 Parsons Public Safety Fair group photo of 1st responders

 

2024 Parsons Public Safety Fair static display of police vehicles