Chehaw to host Day with a Cop Picnic

ALBANY — Organizers say they expect up to 1,000 people to attend the seventh annual Day with a Cop Picnic, which will be held Saturday at Chehaw park.

The event combines free food and family fun with the opportunity to get to know the person behind the badge.

The Albany Police Department has partnered with Another Level Motorcycle Club for the 2017 Day with a Cop Picnic, which will include a bike giveaway.

“The big thing will be our bike give-away,” said Sgt. Kawaski Barnes, an Albany police officer who also serves as the 2017 event organizer. “Last year we gave out about 60 bicycles. This year I expect there will be more. It’s hard to tell how many because they get donated right up until the day of the event.

“Its a voluntary event, but many of our officers are looking forward to it. It’s a great opportunity for the community to get to know us on a more personal level. We come out to enjoy the day just like everyone else. We get to know the community, and they get to see us in a different way. That makes our job easier when have to make contact with residents in the line of duty.”

Detective Tim Harvey echoed Barnes’ comments.

“They (the public) get to see us in different lights,” Harvey said. “They see us as humans, more approachable. They can see that we’re not just a uniform. We are people you can come and talk to on a normal basis. On the streets, when we’re out there working, you can come and talk to us.”

Saturday’s free event will feature food, games and activities for all ages. Some of the activities include bouncy houses, face painting and flag football.

“The YMCA will bring British soccer coaches for a demonstration and some give-aways,” Barnes said. “There will be martial arts demonstrations. Albany State (University) and the Family Literacy Connection will have booths. We have plenty of partners and community groups participating.”

Organizing the event, Barnes noted, takes a lot of time and preparation — especially when it comes to feeding such a big crowd.

“We are preparing 800 to 1,000 hamburgers and hot dogs,” he said.

The picnic gets underway at 10 a.m. and will continue until 2 p.m. Organizers say this is a great event for the community to spend a portion of their Father’s Day weekend enjoying.

Admission to the park will be free for the Day With a Cop Picnic. Attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Chehaw will also offer a Father’s Day brunch on Sunday. Reservations must be made by today by calling (229) 430-5275.