South Bend police kick off summer with public cookout, debut new bounce house

SOUTH BEND — Ryan Gilliam and his family had never seen anything like it.

"It's very unique," Gilliam said. "It looks just like it."

They were talking about the South Bend Police Department's new bounce house, designed with the likeness of a patrol vehicle, apart from the inflated slide in the back.

Gilliam and his family attended the recent South Bend Police Department's School's Out Cookout at Kennedy Park, the kickoff to the SBPD's community events this year, where the police department unveiled its new bounce house for the first time. His kids had just finished playing in the bounce house, before getting their faces painted and now sitting down to eat hotdogs.

Gilliam said his wife heard about the event through Facebook and he thought it would be a good idea to keep the kids busy. For him, this event provided a very important way to get to know police officers in an informal setting.

"There should be more of it," Gilliam said. "I like the fact that police hosts events in the community. It gives people a chance to get to know each other."

Sgt. Jarveair Bourn helps plan events for the department's community outreach.

“We want the community to know that we are a part of the community," he said. "When our children are meeting these milestones of passing grades, we want to be able to celebrate those events with them. We want to kick off the summer with something fun to get everyone in the community engaged."

Twenty minutes into the start of the cookout, a long line of residents formed, choosing from the hamburgers, hotdogs, drinks and chips provided. Bourn was happy with the initial turnout and said he was hoping more than 500 people would show up.

Officer Brian Meador, who manned the barbecue, said police bought 800 hotdogs and 800 hamburgers.

Lavette Purnell stood line with her grandchildren Cahlani, Calvin and Davarius. Davarius was asked what type of chips he wanted. The officer dug through a box of chips until he found a bag of Takis for him.

Purnell said they attend the cookout every year. It's a good break for the kids and also gives them something to do, she said.

The kids enjoyed getting their faces painted by Officer Samuel Chaput. They chose their favorite characters from Sonic the Hedgehog: Amy, Sonic and Tails. They were excited to play at the cookout and for school to be over, but Davarius said he misses his teacher.

"Everyday I see them, it makes me light up," he said.

Purnell said the cookout also provides resources for the kids during the summer.

Organizations present at the cookout included Goodwill S.A.V.E. Outreach, the South Bend Community School Corporation with literacy tools and books and Michiana Crime Stoppers.

The kids said their favorite part was, obviously, the candy.

Candy was passed out by Goodwill S.A.V.E. Outreach, which works regularly with the police department to work toward a community free from gun violence.

Mychael Winston, the Director of Mission Services for Goodwill SAVE Outreach, said they frequently attend events hosted by the police department as well as host their own events, particularly reaching out to areas hit by more crime, throughout the year.

“We try to come out and be present in the community and make the community feel safe,” Winston said. “We help to bring the community closer to law enforcement and not just make it to where it’s an adversarial relationship.” 

For Michiana Crime Stoppers, the mission at community events is to let people know they still exist and that anyone can reach out to them with information they have.

“You can remain anonymous,” Karen said. She chose not to provide her last name. “We do not ask for your name and information. You might get a reward for a good tip.” 

She said it takes everyone’s eyes and knowledge to solve crime. 

“We’re all in this together," Karen said. "We want a safe place to live.” 

Ashley O’Chap, the media liaison for the South Bend Police Department, said though they work with these organizations on a daily basis, it's nice to coexist in a setting where they're not responding to a call or investigating a case.

By inviting local organizations to this "backyard cookout," O'Chap said, it allows the community to see them apart from when something horrible has happened.

SAVE Outreach reaches out to someone after an incident, she said.

“Now they can get to know these people and learn more about the program in a very fun, low-stress and low-commitment environment," O'Chap said.

Additionally, community events can expose the community to all of the resources available by having fun with them and sharing a meal.

"It’s not quite as intimidating in that way," O'Chap said.

The South Bend Police Department will host a back-to-school cookout in August for "one last party," before school resumes, Bourn said. They'll also host their annual National Night Out and Cops and Goblins in the fall.