I.U.P.A. Local Hammond Police Association, #345 Members participated in Camp Blue where they taught kids about police work!
Hammond Police Department posted about it on social media:
- On Day One, they posted, “Day 1 of Camp Blue in the books!!!! Today was the first day of The Hammond Police Departments 4th Annual Camp Blue. We started the day with basic introductions; meeting the Chief of Police, all of the Police Officers / Camp Counselors for the week, and meeting all of the kids in their respective groups for the week. After this, the groups came up with their own Team Names; where they will compete for points throughout the week. Today’s activities included learning about how to tend to minor cuts, about Tasers, and about Pepper Spray. We even got to witness one of our new Officers at Hammond Police Department get certified on these tools. The campers got to learn today how important it is in police work to work as a team. Each group was given the same exact puzzle and was tasked with seeing who could work as a team the best and complete the puzzle first. Lastly, we also got to have some plain old fashioned fun by playing musical chairs and maybe even having a few dance offs. Stay tuned to see what the rest of the week has in store for the campers!!!!”
- On Day Two, they posted, “Thats a wrap for Day 2 of the Hammond Police Departments Camp Blue!!! Today, our campers learned all about our K9 Division, met some of the K9 Handlers / K9’s, learned about how the Hammond Police Departments SWAT Team operates (along with getting to learn about all of the equipment SWAT uses), learned a lesson on traffic stops, learned some Defensive Tactic maneuvers, and lastly, learned about HPD / Louisiana State Police Motors. The campers even got to take a tour of multiple Police Units; including Hammond Police Traffic Motorcycles, Louisiana State Police Motorcycles, Street Crimes Police Units, Patrol Units, the Lenco Bearcat that SWAT utilizes on callouts, and one of Hammond Fire Departments Firetrucks. Thank you to the Hammond Fire Department and to the Louisiana State Police for taking time out of your day to come and visit Camp Blue. All of the campers truly enjoyed the visit!! Tomorrow starts Day 3; I wonder what obstacles slide in their way tomorrow.”
- On Day Three, they posted, “Day 3 is complete and was a huge success!!!! Today, the camp blue campers learned how to just be a kid and have some fun. From the moment they finished saying the Pledge of Allegiance until the moment they were picked up, the campers stayed outside playing. They participated in sliding down water slides, water gun fights, tug of war, kick ball, dance offs, and got to dunk several officers in the dunking booth including Chief Bergeron Jr. We also voted on ugliest bathing suit shorts worn by our Officers. Congratulations Officer Cutrer on the win (or loss 👀 ). Thanks again to everyone involved; especially to the Hammond Fire Department for bringing us some water reinforcements 😂😂. Tomorrow’s day is going to be a good one!!! Grab some popcorn 🍿 and stay tuned.”
- On Day Four, they posted, “Day 4 of Camp Blue is complete!!!! Only 1 more day left. 😢 Today, the campers went on a field trip all over the place. First, Camp Blue went to Pierce Aviation at the Hammond Northshore Regional Airport where they got to learn about and take pictures with the Bayou Bell M*A*S*H. Next Camp Blue went to U.S Customs and Border Patrol – Air and Marine Operations where the campers got to learn about what they do. They even got to tour the facility and take photos next to one of their helicopters that they fly when helping Hammond Police Department track suspects. Camp Blue then visited the Hammond City Court and Hammond City Council Chambers. While at the City Court, the campers got a surprise visit from both Judge Erika Sledge and Judge Britain Sledge. The campers were then put through a mock trial to give them a better understanding of how the court system works. The campers then took a tour through the facility, ultimately going to the Council Chambers. While there, they were then given a surprise visit by our very own Mayor; Mayor Pete Panepinto. Mayor Panepinto explained how a council meeting works and had the campers go through a mock council meeting. The campers then relocated to First Baptist Church, where Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa provided them with pizza. Once everyone ate, we then went to the AMC Movie Theatre where they were given their choice to see either Garfield or Inside Out 2. Once the movies were complete, everyone was brought back to the Training Center and released back to their guardians. It was a very busy, yet fun filled day! Once again, The Hammond Police Department thanks everyone involved in making this a successful Camp. A special thanks today goes to Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa, Pierce Aviation, Hammond Civil Air Patrol, Homeland Security, U.S. Customs, Hammond City Court, Mayor Pete Panepinto, First Baptist Church, AMC Theatre, Gaten’s, and the Parish President for supplying the buses. Graduation 👨🎓 👩🎓 is tomorrow, stay tuned.”
- Day Five, they posted, “Camp Blue is officially over 😢. All of our campers graduated today and were sent away for the last time this year. Today, we played all types of different games while the campers were patiently waiting for their turn to graduate. Thank you to everyone who helped make year 4 of Camp Blue the most successful year yet! Each year we have progressed more and more, accepting even more kids. Year 1 we had roughly 35 kids and we thought we were crazy going into year 2 with roughly 65 kids. 👀 year 3 we took in roughly 85 kids. Apparently, we at Hammond Police Department enjoy a good challenge because in year 4…… we took in 113 kids. Thank you to everyone who surprised the Camp Blue Officers with a thank you card and a Great American Cookie Cake. We truly appreciate it and definitely enjoyed the treat 😂 Once again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all of the sponsors to help make this a successful event. Planning for year 5 officially starts. Until next year Camp Blue!!!!!”
Each week, the I.U.P.A. Briefing Room features a photo that exemplifies the valuable part of the community that our Law Enforcement Officers all across the U.S. are and their positive impact as well as their dedication, service, and sacrifice.
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