News
Local Law Enforcement Host Community Barbecue
By: Sara Brumfield | Athens Messenger
Posted on:
In an attempt to get the community better engaged with members of the Athens and Ohio University police departments, a free public barbecue will be held in front of Baker University Center on Sept. 30.
The event will be sponsored by the Joint Police Advisory Council, which is comprised of the police chiefs of both departments, and city, university and citizen representatives.
“In light of the issues that communities around the country are experiencing with their police, JPAC and a group of people discussed the need for outreach,” said Athens City Councilwoman Michele Papai on Monday. She said the idea is to get the community out to meet those on the police forces.
The event will take place from 5-9 p.m. at the intersection of President Street and Court Street. The roadway will be closed to vehicular traffic for the event. A rain date has been slated for Nov. 1.
According to Athens City Councilman Steve Patterson, who also serves on JPAC, the event was the brainchild of Athens Police Chief Tom Pyle and OU Police Chief Andrew Powers.
“This is one more thing to bind us together… and not with handcuffs,” Patterson said.