Hawken School Visits Lyndhurst Municipal Center in a Thrilling Community Engagement Event

In an educational outreach initiative, students from Hawken School paid a visit to the Lyndhurst Municipal Center, hosted by Mayor Patrick A. Ward, on January 23, 2025. The police department took this opportunity to engage with the young minds about various facets of law enforcement and public safety. SRO Allan Beil, along with Sgt. Brian Brooks, played key roles in educating the children about the daily responsibilities of police officers and the importance of safety in the community. This visit stands out as not only an informative session but also as an interactive experience for the students, as conveyed by 3rd grade teacher Lori Horac who emphasized, "This is one of the most exciting field trips of the year because the students are always engaged and full of questions." Another teacher, Gabbie Rosenberger, highlighted the positive impact such engagements have on the students' curiosity. During the visit, students asked challenging questions, such as the average number of days individuals are incarcerated in the local jail, showcasing their engagement and emerging interest in law enforcement. This query was particularly memorable for Sgt. Brooks, who believes that this curiosity could signal a future in law enforcement for the inquiring student. The officers also demonstrated basic gun safety measures, as seen in the featured image where Sgt. Brooks is teaching the young attendees. This element of the visit aimed at educating students on the critical importance of firearms safety. The Lyndhurst Police Department continues to emphasize the significance of community engagement in building trust and understanding between law enforcement and residents, especially the younger ones. Such events are essential in fostering a safer and more inclusive community.