In an effort to strengthen community bonds and educate the youth about local services, Clay County Sheriff Will Akin joined over fifty attendees at the Mid-Continent Public Library in Excelsior Springs on Wednesday morning. The Sheriff’s visit was part of the innovative Community Heroes Storytime program, where he read to an eager group of children, showcasing a softer side often unseen in law enforcement.
The Community Heroes Storytime is an initiative originally proposed by Kayla Bainbridge of the Excelsior Springs Branch, which was subsequently adopted system-wide by the Mid-Continent Youth Services Department. The program aims to “create stronger community ties and increase kids’ knowledge of the adult members of their larger community,” according to Bainbridge. It brings together children and figures from local services such as fire, police, and sheriff’s offices, promoting familiarity and understanding of these crucial community roles.
During his visit, Akin emphasized the importance of building trust between law enforcement and the community. “Ultimately, when I go home at the end of the day, I’m just a husband, a father, a neighbor, and a friend. I want people to feel comfortable talking to me no matter the situation,” Akin remarked, highlighting the human aspect behind the badge.
Bainbridge, discussing the event and its broader impact, noted that previous sessions had involved the local fire and police departments and that plans for repeat visits were underway. She stressed the importance of such programs in fostering a sense of familiarity and trust toward community services among young citizens. “It’s important to get the small kids knowledgeable about the services in their community…These are the people that are going to come help you. This is what their jobs are,” Bainbridge explained.
The Community Heroes Storytime series is more than just a reading event; it’s a bridge-building exercise. Post-COVID, as communities seek to reconnect and strengthen their bonds, initiatives like this play a pivotal role in re-integrating public services into the communal fabric. “The library is a part of the community, and these services are as well,” Bainbridge added, underscoring the significance of these educational experiences in today’s society.
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