In an effort to foster unity and to show the public the men and women behind the blue uniforms, Fall River Police Chief Daniel Racine invited the public to a "Police and Public Palooza" event at Britland Park behind the police station on July 29, 2016. Starting at 4:00 p.m. about fifty officers were on hand to meet with a nearly equal number of local residents to enjoy some free pizza donated by Domino's Pizza South Main Street and a variety of activities including three-on-three basketball, a bounce house, face painting and the chance for youngsters to try on police equipment, see the police dog, and pose for photos in the driver's seat of a police cruiser. "The reason for this event, with of all of the tragic events happening around the country, . . .we thought we should get together and support the good community policing, the good community relations that already exist here in Fall River, Massachusetts" stated Chief Racine. His remarks were followed by remarks and prayers by Chaplains Sgt. Silva and Cantor Wolberg and remarks by Mayor Jasiel Correia II, State Senator Michael Rodrigues and Representatives Alan Silvia and Carole Fiola. Click here for a thirteen-minute video of the event. Click here for the Herald News article. For more information, contact Fall River Community Outreach Coordinator Monica Sousa at 508-676-0324.

(Top row)  Fall River Police Officer Brett Kimball and Lt. Huard chat with some young people while Mayor Correia's Campaign Manager, Gen Andrade, talks with State Representative Alan Silvia, State Senator Michael Rodrigues and Fall River Police Chief Danier Racine and officers play basketball with City youth. (Row two) Jakayls Furr and Jaalyiah Perry join the crowd with younger children jump in the bounce house. (Row three) Police Chaplain Sgt. Silvia leads off the speakers with remarks and a prayer while Chief Racine and Mayor Correia listen. (Row four) State Representative Alan Silvia speaks as Father Kelly Neighborhood Association President Rosemary Lapointe and Bank Street Association President Natalie Melo listen along with a group of children. (Row five) State Senator Michael Rodrigues speaks before he and State Representative Carole Fiola model the tee shirts that were handed out to the crowd, some of which gather with Representative Fiola for a photo. (Row six) Senator Rodrigues and Representative Silva greet Jason Springer as three-year-old Jaresiah Rivas poses for a photo in a cruiser with a police hat on, and Joangel Garcia and his son, Joangel Junior watch nearby. (Row seven) Jessica Adler passes out free pizza while face painter Casey Miranda gives five-year-old Mckenzie Karpey a new look. (Bottom row) Partners School Wellness Coordinator Marcia Picard was on hand to demonstrate how to make giant bubbles with two soda straws and a piece of string dipped in dish detergent.