Ojai's finest are trading their patrol cars for pizza pans, inviting locals for a slice of dialogue and pepperoni at "Pizza with the Police." The Ojai Police Department has teamed up with Air Pizza at 11492 N. Ventura Ave. for a family-friendly dinner on March 21 from 5:30pm to 7pm, hoping to bolster bonds between the boys in blue and the community they serve—fork in one hand, outreach in the other.
Residents will have the opportunity to chew the fat over pizza with Ojai Chief of Police, Trina Newman, alongside eager youth volunteers from the Ojai Explorer program, which has been recognized for giving young men and women between 14 and 21 a glimpse into law enforcement life, not only do they get a sense of what it’s like behind the badge through ride-alongs but they are giving back through community service.
The event, detailed in a release on Nixle, is part of a broader initiative resembling the "Coffee with the cops" gatherings and aims to serve up convivial conversation alongside piping hot pizzas, the goal is to foster a relaxed environment for citizens to meet their local law enforcers, exchange stories, and build a foundation of trust that extends beyond times of crisis.
The Ojai Explorer program, praised for inculcating vital skills like communication, decision making, and teamwork, represents a multifaceted approach to community engagement, through regular meetings with sworn patrol deputies and participating in various community-centric activities. These young citizens learn the ropes of responsible civic duty while developing personal and professional integrity by volunteering for community events and fundraisers, the program empowers them with real-world experiences that shape their future regardless of whether a career in the police force is in their sights.
The evening is part of the Ventura County Sheriff's Office and the Ojai Police Department's commitment "to investing in the youth of our communities by investing in their future through positive relationships, one pizza slice at a time,” aiming to humanize those behind the badge and inspire the community's future leaders. For more details about the Explorer program or to RSVP for your slice of the action, visit the official site or call (805) 646-1414.
