Unity in the COMMUNITY

The Fort Pierce Police Department offers a heartfelt thanks to everyone who took part in the annual Unity in Our Community on Wednesday, July 19, at the Fort Pierce Recreation Center.

The free, family-friendly, event attracted hundreds of families and youth in summer camp groups to the Recreation Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and included more than 60 vendors, including food banks, support groups, insurance representatives, grief counselors, educational programs, and opportunities for children to meet and talk with adult mentors. And, of course, all took advantage of delicious free food, face painting, a demonstration by the Police Department’s K-9 Unit, lots of great music, a talent spotlight, a photo booth, bounce houses, community fellowship, OneBlood’s Big Red Bus, adult health screenings with local service providers –and a whole lot more!

The event brought smiles to many faces, including that of Chief Diane HobleyBurney. She said the key word in Unity in Our Community is “Our,” because it’s all about everyone working together for the common good for one “wonderful and great” Fort Pierce. “It is placing us in a situation where we are in unison, where all the resources are here for people to be successful and that’s what we want,” she said. “It gives our public the opportunity to see the Police Department more than just arresting people. This is about our community. Our motto is “In Honor We Serve”, and this shows we are serving our community in bringing these resources here for them”.

Hobley-Burney added that seeing so many children taking part in the event truly was special. “It brings this joy to my face because as I talk to them, I’m letting them know that they could one day be the Chief, they could one day be lawyers and doctors and make Fort Pierce a better place” she said. “I want them to have that commitment and be proud of their city and it is wonderful to have them here.”

For Fort Pierce resident Mae Perdue, Unity in Our Community provided a chance to have an enjoyable day with children Mariah, Messiah and Jaharion. “It’s really a great event,” she said. “You get to bring the kids out, families out, and get to see all the resources.” Perdue, who said her children also enjoy taking part in the Police Department’s Courageous Kids mentoring program every Tuesday afternoon, was looking forward to spending time together in the bounce houses, as well as several other activities. “Free food and free fun!” Messiah quickly added with a smile.

As for next year, Chief Hobley-Burney said she hopes to see even more smiling faces enjoying Unity in Our Community together.

“To see the love and the joy that’s here, we are one big happy family today” she said. “It gives the opportunity if they have questions for us, for me, to meet your Police Department, meet your resources and get to learn what is so wonderful and great about Fort Pierce.”