More than 100 community members showed up to the first Scotts Valley Police Department Appreciation BBQ and Chamber Mixer last week, held at MacDorsa Park.
The Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce organized the mixer and BBQ, which took place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. last Thursday.
“This is just an opportunity for the community of Scotts Valley to show the Scotts Valley Police how we feel about them and how much they are appreciated,” said SV Chamber Executive Director, Danny Reber.
Bay Photo in Scotts Valley donated most of the food, with local families, and City Council Person Donna Lind making a significant contribution as well.
Mayor Dene Bustichi and his son Giovanni Bustichi, grilled Italian sausage, skirt steak, and meatballs with homemade gravy for locals and members of the police department.
“We have a lot of great food … the chamber is a great institution here in Scotts Valley, City Council and myself like to support it and they support us back,” Bustichi said.
While guests enjoyed the wonderful food, they were given the opportunity to check out the Scotts House, Special Olympics Torch Run booth, SVPD’s SWAT truck, and one of the Police in Pursuit cars.
There was also a raffle with all the money benefitting the SVPD’s Junior Officer Program, Reber said.
Scotts Valley Historical Society President Chuck Fetter, said that the mixer allowed for the city’s tight knit community to come together.
“Its just so important to have a community that is so well connected to the police department and city government,” he said.
SVPD Detective Efraim Contreres gave tours of the SWAT vehicle, which he said was purchased by the department five years ago from Brinks Armor.
“The seats were put in for us, and there was nothing inside, it was empty inside,” he said. “Nine people total fit inside the truck including the front and it’s a great piece of equipment for when serious situations arise.”
SVPD Officer and retired Lieutenant John Hohmann manned the Special Olympics booth.
“We are selling special Olympics Torch Run shirts and big skin madness cards, which benefit Special Olympics Northern California,” Hohmann said.
SVPD volunteer Konrad Baumert, said that he showed up to support the officers, while Saint Phillip’s Episcopal Church Priest Mary Blessing, said that she comes to the chamber mixers to support local businesses.
“Today it is really special because we are honoring the police — which I think is really good because they have done a fantastic job managing any issue that we might have at St. Phillips,” she said.
K-9 units from local law enforcement agencies showed up and gave demonstrations of their dog’s abilities for all to watch. Brandon Polito, SVPD K-9 Unit officer, brought his police dog Atlas, who took part in the action.
“We are happy to be acknowledged by the chamber, we have representatives from multiple agencies like Capitola and the Sheriff’s Office, who came out to show off our dogs and show what they can do … and how well trained these dogs are,” Polito said.
SVPD Chief John Weiss gave guided tours of the Police Department.
“This is what Scotts Valley’s all about: the community coming together, enjoying a beautiful afternoon, and seeing these amazing police dogs in action,” he said.
