The Clearlake Police Department and the Lake County Office of Education began a partnership to bring students and police together through education and friendship at the Burns Valley ASES and ZAP after-school programs. The PEACE (Police Engaged in Afterschool Children”s Education) Program launched early December.
Last month the students of Burns Valley were visited by members of the Clearlake Police Department and treated to a pizza party, where they not only got to sit down and share a meal with the men and women in blue, but were also introduced to some of the more “furrier” members of the force, police K-9 units, Dex and Harley. Visiting Officers included Travis Lenz, Tim Celli, Rod Joseph, Joseph Myers, Thomas Riley, Michael Ray, and Bobbi Thompson.
The students had a wonderful time getting to know the officers and participating in a Q&A, where of course, many of the questions revolved around the high energy, police K-9s. “I learned that they always use the dogs for helping,” said sixth grader, Steven Hughes. “I think being a cop could be dangerous,” said third grade student, Britany Agoado. “I loved eating pizza with the police and I got to pet one of the dogs,” she continued excitedly.
The evening also consisted of an art contest. Students spent the week leading up to the police visit working tirelessly on their masterpieces, dedicated to thanking all peace officers.
The winners of the art contest were rewarded with art kits to help them on their future endeavors.
LCOE, members of the Burns Valley ZAP and ASES program, and the Clearlake Police Department are looking forward to working together in the future and continuing to build upon this partnership.
Interviews were conducted by the Burns Valley Roaring Times staff: Abigail Fuentes and Andrew Fuentes (4th grade), Nichole Jiminez (6th grade).
