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The Department's Open House normally takes place each May, in order to coincide with National Police Week. Our last Open House was held on Sunday, May 18, 2008. On that day, over 200 citizens visited the Vernon Hills police facility. This marked the first public viewing of the newly designed dispatch center and training facility. The weather was a perfect 70+ degrees, the sun was out and everyone had a great time.
Some of the festivities included a demonstration by one of the Department's K-9 Units, Officer Vince Utter and his partner, Bullet. (Both of our K-9s have since retired.) In addition, The Illinois State Police brought out their Seat Belt "Convincer" to show people how important it is to 'buckle up' and the MABAS Mobile Field Operations vehicle was on hand for viewing.
Inside were displays from N.I.P.A.S., the police Explorer Scouts, the Citizen's Police Academy and Lake County Crime Stoppers. For the fifth consecutive year, we also had demonstrations of the F.A.T.S. firearms training system. (F.A.T.S. is a laser-equipped weapons training system that consists of shoot-don't shoot video scenarios.) Many of the visitors had a rare opportunity to try their hand at it.
This year, our Open House will be held on Sunday, May 16, from 1 pm to 4 pm. Visting youths will have a chance to color their own police button and have their photo taken in police uniform (thanks to a lifesize police officer photo). McGruff will be on hand to take pictures with. Parents will be able to get a complete Child Identification Kit completed with the help of the Illinois Mason's ChIP Program. The Treasurer's Office will also be here to help people Dash for Cash. Naturally, all guests will be able to see the many elements of the facility and meet many of the department's employees.
So come join us on Sunday, May 16, 2010 from 1-4 pm!
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