The event was a huge success for all involved.
The Ocean City Police Benevolent Association Local #61 hosted a special Back to School Barbeque yesterday to celebrate the end of summer and beginning of school.
This community event was organized exclusively for the residents of the Ocean City Housing Authority.
Skip Rowell (Resident), Sandy Velez (OCHA Assistant Asset Manager), Jacqueline Jones (OCHA new Executive Director), and Mike Grey (OCPD). Bart Russell (Buddy's) can be seen in the background.
“I’d like to thank all those who attended, our sponsors and community partners for making this event such a success,” said Officer Chris Vivarelli of the Community Oriented Policing Unit of the OCPD.
Community policing involves being part of the community.
In addition to the dozens of residents on hand, Undersheriff Bob Nolan, of the Cape May County Sheriff's Office attended as did Ocean City Councilmen Antwan McClellan, Michael DeVlieger and Peter Madden; Ocean City Housing Authority Executive Director Jacqueline Jones and Ocean City Primary School Principal Cathy Smith.
Some of the officers involved in distributing the school supplies get a well earned break. They were very busy between 4-6p gearing-up the youngsters for the start of the school year.
Members of the police department handed out free school supplies to the children while all the residents enjoyed a barbeque catered by "Welcome to the South BBQ" of Pleasantville.
Skip Rowell takes a moment to pose with the gentlemen from "Welcome To The South BBQ", who did an incredible job feeding the crowd.
Vivarelli, said the following sponsors helped make the event possible:
Atlanticare, The Humane Society of Ocean City, Rite Aid of Ocean City, The Ocean City Public Library, The Cape May County Sheriff's Office, Buddy's Ice Cream, and DJ Anthony Guerriero.
The Humane Society of Ocean City was on hand to educate the children and their families on all the services that they provide our community.
McGruff the Crime Dog and Eddie Eagle, who promotes gun safety, made appearances courtesy of the Sherriff’s Department, along with several K-9 Officers and dogs and the Police Explorers.
McGruff was a big hit with the kids.
The Bookmobile appeared courtesy of the Free Public Library and AtlanticCare had an information booth offering details related to health and community services; The Humane Society of OC and RiteAid of OC provided information on their services.
The event was a huge success for all involved.
