Usually when police officers have guns pointed at them, it’s a highly intense life-or-death situation. But the only danger the Pell City Police Officers were in on June 22 was of getting wet. 

The “Cops and Kids” program kicked off at the Pell City Housing Authority, where neighborhood kids had the opportunity to soak officers in a water gun fight. Pell City Police Officers taught about firearm safety, bicycle safety, water safety, and had food from Royal Sausage, Food Outlet, and Backpack Buddies.  

The intention of the “Cops and Kids” event is to educate the kids and parents about remaining safe around water, riding a bicycle, and gun safety.

“I started this program so we could build relationships with children in the community so they know we care about them,” said Police Chief Paul Irwin. “They will grow up being comfortable coming to us.”      

According to federal statistics, millions of households in the U.S. have guns, approximately 40 percent of households nationwide. While unintentional firearm fatalities are down 65 percent in the last 20 years, they still occur. The Center for Disease Control states that over 1,300 victims of unintentional shootings for the period 2005-2010 were under 25 years of age, citing that adolescents are particularly susceptible to accidental shootings due to impulsivity, feelings of invincibility, and curiosity about firearms.        

Part of the educational demonstration by the PCPD includes giving parents a guide to gun safety rules. For instance, always keeping the gun pointed in a safe direction, always keeping your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, and always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

The Pell City Police Department will hold a free “Cops and Kids” event on Monday, July 9 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and July 16 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The PCPD will give out safety literature, have free food, and water activities. 

For more information, contact the Pell City Police Department at 205-884-3334.