The 2017 Jake Laird Community Day will be held Tuesday, Aug. 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Quaker Park, 17501 Dartown Road, Westfield. The event is named for IMPD Officer Jake Laird, who gave his life in the line of duty on Aug. 18, 2004.
Westfield’s Jake Laird Community Day is sponsored by Hamilton county residents Mike and Debbie Laird, Officer Laird’s parents.
Debbie Laird says her son had an affinity for community events and helping the underserved during his time with IMPD. “This event is a wonderful way for the community to be able to see an officer as a friend and not an adversary,” she said.
“Although no amount of community service erases the pain of losing a child, Mike and I feel like we are doing exactly what Jake would have wanted us to do when we participate in these activities.”
After Jake’s death, the Lairds established the Jake Laird Memorial Fund which provides funds for local law enforcement agencies in need of new equipment, innovating new programs, and assists with officer hardships. The Laird family is known as friends to numerous police agencies throughout Indiana sponsoring programs that strengthen community relations.
The family event is free to the public, and will feature a dunk tank, hotdogs, popcorn, rock climbing wall, bounce house, face painting and a police K9 demonstration.
As in years past, the Jake Laird Community Day will be paired with National Night Out, which is designed to:
- Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
- Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
- Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
This event is organized by the Westfield Police Department. To see photos from last year’s event, click here: http://bit.ly/2v7TWh1.