SUMMERDALE - The Summerdale Police Department has started a Community Relations Unit. The idea for the unit began when Chief Kevin Brock attended a training class which focused primarily on the relationship between a community and the police department. He then began envisioning what the unit could look like in the Summerdale community.

The unit is run by Sergeant Vince Miller, and includes two spots for sworn officers, the department’s administrative assistant, and one civilian spot to serve as a liaison between the police department and the community. The department works closely with the town’s volunteer fire department, and members of both departments have been present at all events hosted.

“It’s really just to create that ambiance that we’re looking for between the community, the police department, and the town,” said Brock. “One thing we were specific on was including the fire department and making sure they’re at every event that we have. We’re a team, and we’re trying to put this together as a community situation. It’s worked well so far.”

The Community Relations Unit has hosted a tour of the police department for approximately 50 children, which featured an obstacle course and lunch with the officers and firefighters, a school supply drive held at the Summerdale Dollar General, and a back to school parade that was held through the streets of downtown Summerdale. Eventually, the police and fire departments hope to host a community event each month.

“With all the stuff that’s going on today with police officers and the community, we want to try to extend how we really are behind the badge,” said Miller. “We’re people, just like you are, and we want to get out there and meet you guys, and let the people get to know the police officers more … We really want to be out there and be part of the community. We want to be able to show you guys that’s who we are, and we want to help everybody and for everybody to come to us if they need anything.”

Along with the creation of the Community Relations Unit, the town council voted to create a separate fund from the police department’s that was dedicated to the unit. The decision came after community members showed interest in donating funds to go towards community relations events.

“In my time of volunteering full time with the volunteer fire department, the great thing that Summerdale has that I think is kind of unique to us is we have a fire department and a police department that get along, plus we have a town council that backs us both up,” said firefighter Tiffany Givens.

For more information on the Town of Summerdale, check out www.summerdaleal.com.