Mahomet Police Department and Cornbelt Fire Protection District to Host Community-Building Events
Two upcoming events invite Mahomet residents to get to know their community’s first responders. The Mahomet Police Department will host an open house on Tuesday, September 29 (5:30-7:30 p.m., 303 E. Oak Street) and the Cornbelt Fire Protection District will host an open house on Thursday, October 8 (6-8 p.m., 506 E. Main Street).
MPD’s event will feature a free hot dog, chips and a drink; department tours; and face painting. The Masonic Lodge will be at the event to enroll families in the Masonic Family Identification Program, which gives parents resources to have on hand if a child should ever go missing.
Police Chief Dave Smysor said the event, which is in its fourth year, is a family-friendly opportunity to “showcase” the department. “Officers always enjoy it,” he said, and it’s “a lot of fun for kids.” He encourages the community to come “meet the people responding to your calls.”
MPD also invites attendees to bring non-perishable donations for Mom’s Pantry, a local food pantry that supports around 40 families in the Mahomet-Seymour school district. Chief Symsor said they will “stuff a squad car” with donations, which the department will then deliver.
CFPD will offer a free hot dog, chips and a drink; fire truck rides; bounce house fun; photo ops with Brutus the Fire Dog; and a meet and greet with firefighters and EMS personnel.
Chief John Koller emphasized that visitors to CFPD will have a chance to meet firefighters and paramedics and see equipment up close. “There’s an educational component to it,” he said, “But just as important is the opportunity to spend time together and strengthen our connection to our community.”
Chief Koller concluded, “Our open house is about bringing our community together, getting to know our neighbors, and building relationships long before anyone needs to call 911.”
