It was a scene of community engagement last Friday as Boston Police Department officers from District E-5 turned out for an evening of film and frozen treats with Holy Name Parish School. The gathering, part of the BPD's community outreach program, aimed at strengthening ties between law enforcement and residents in the West Roxbury neighborhood. In a collaboration that featured both a silver screen under the stars and a chance to lob a baseball with Boston's finest, the officers joined students and their families for an event that mirrored the idyllic fall evenings New England is famed for.
As reported by the official BPD news blog, movie night festivities included the by-now familiar sight of the BPD Ice Cream Truck, for where children could grab a free scoop courtesy of the Boston Police Foundation and local dairy giant HP Hood. While the specifics of the movie shown were not disclosed, the emphasis of the night was squarely on community enjoyment and interaction with local officers in a setting away from the usual patrol beats and call responses.
Appreciation for the event was expressed by the Holy Name Parish School, who thanked the officers for their participation and the joy they brought to the school's families. This sentiment was echoed by parents and children present, many of whom saw the night as a welcome change of pace and a positive way to view those sworn to protect and serve their community.
